By Dr. Kyzwana Caves, Adolescent Medicine at CHKD
All parents know – raising kids in the age of TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram is no small task. Just when we think we understand one platform, a new one pops up. Our kids are growing up in a world where being online is part of everyday life—and while it has its upsides, there are real risks too.
We want them to stay connected, confident, and informed. But finding balance matters now more than ever.
What the Research Tells Us
There’s growing evidence that too much social media use is linked to mental health struggles like anxiety and depression in kids. It’s not always the cause—but it can make existing challenges worse, especially for those already having a hard time.
It also depends on how they use it. Passive scrolling—just watching others without interacting—tends to leave kids feeling more isolated and down.
The Good News
Social media isn’t all bad. For many kids, it’s a way to stay in touch with friends, express themselves, or find support they might not get elsewhere. It can absolutely be used in positive ways.
That’s where we come in.
What We Can Do
- Talk about it: Ask them what they’re seeing and how it makes them feel. Keep the conversations casual and ongoing.
- Be curious, not critical: Show interest in their online world without rushing to judgment. It helps build trust.
- Teach awareness: Help them understand how apps are designed to keep them scrolling—and why that matters.
- Encourage balance: When things start to feel overwhelming, help them recognize it’s okay to unplug.
We can’t control everything they see online—but we can help them think about it, talk about it, and make better choices. And at the end of the day, that connection with us is still the most important thing they’ve got.
