The Influence of Social Media on the Mental Health of Children and Young People

Introduction

Social media has become an integral part of the everyday lives of children and young people. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat offer them the opportunity to exchange ideas, share content and make new friends. However, while these networks have many positive aspects, they can also have a negative impact on mental health.

In recent years, the influence of social media on young people’s well-being has increasingly become the focus of scientific research and public debate.

In this article, we would like to give you an overview of how social media consumption affects the mental health of children and young people. We will first explain where the line between normal and excessive consumption lies. We will then discuss possible mental illnesses that can arise from the intensive use of these platforms. At the end of this article, we will present possible treatment methods that we offer at the Verus Bonifatius Hospital.

We understand that it is often challenging for parents and guardians to recognise signs of overload or addiction in their children and to respond appropriately. But you are not alone – the Verus Bonifatius Clinic is here to support you as a reliable partner. With a sensitive and experienced team, we offer individualised and tailored therapies that can help your child and your family return to a healthy and balanced life. Our goal is to work with you to provide the best possible support so that your child can develop positively.

You can find everything about our mission statement and vision at Mission Statement & Vision | Verus Bonifatius Clinic!

Normal Consumption vs. Excessive Consumption of Social Media

The use of social media is now an integral part of everyday life for children and young people. But when does consumption become problematic? We explain the differences between normal and excessive use of social media and give you pointers on how to recognise a possible addiction.

Definition and Distinction: When is Social Media Use Normal?

Healthy use of social media is characterised by children and young people using these platforms as one of many activities in their everyday lives. This leaves enough time for other important activities such as school, hobbies, sports and socialising outside the internet. Normal consumption is characterised by:

• Time limits: Social media is used within a reasonable time frame, e.g. one to two hours per day, depending on age and other commitments.
• Balance with other activities: Social media is only one part of the daily routine, which is complemented by a balanced mix of offline activities.
• No negative effects: Use has no negative effects on school performance, sleep quality or social relationships in real life.

What are the Signs of Excessive use and Addiction?

If social media takes up more and more time and attention and other areas of life take a back seat, this can be a sign of excessive use or even the beginning of addiction. Look out for the following warning signs:

• Neglecting other commitments: Schoolwork, hobbies and social contacts are neglected in favour of social media use.
• Bad mood or restlessness without internet access: Children and young people show irritability or restlessness when they cannot access social media.
• Changes in sleeping patterns: Social media use leads to sleep deprivation because young people stay up later in the evening or repeatedly check their devices during the night.
• Loss of interest in real-life activities: Activities that were once popular in real life are abandoned in favour of the virtual world.
• Increasing isolation: Social contacts outside the online world become increasingly rare, which can lead to social isolation.

Tips for Healthy use of Social Media

To prevent excessive consumption and promote healthy use of social media, parents and guardians can take the following measures:

• Set screen times: Limit the amount of time spent on social media each day and stick to these agreements consistently.
• Schedule regular offline time: Encourage activities that do not involve screens, such as sports, reading or family activities.
• Open communication: Talk to your child regularly about their experiences on social media and also discuss any negative experiences.
• Be a role model: Set a good example by being conscious and balanced in your own media consumption.

Conscious and balanced use of social media can help you reap the benefits of the digital world without compromising your mental health. However, if you notice any of the above signs of excessive use, it is important to take action early and seek professional help if necessary.

What Impact Does Social Media Have on Mental Health?

Mental Stress Caused by Social Media

The constant availability and intensive use of social media can cause a range of mental health issues.

• Bullying and cyberbullying: Social media provides a platform where bullying in the form of insults, exclusion and threats can take place around the clock. Cyberbullying can be particularly stressful as it can continue not only at school but also at home and at any time.
• Pressure to compare oneself to others and beauty ideals: Social media often presents idealised images of beauty, success and lifestyle. Children and young people frequently compare themselves to these unrealistic portrayals, which can lead to reduced self-esteem and dissatisfaction with their own appearance.
• Constant availability and FOMO: The feeling of always having to be available leads to constant tension. Many young people are afraid of missing out (FOMO), which leads them to be constantly online and keep up to date via social media.
• Information overload: The sheer volume of information and stimuli that bombards children and young people via social media can lead to overload and stress, as they often find it difficult to process and evaluate it all.

Possible Mental Health Issues

If these stresses persist over a long period of time, they can increase the risk of developing various mental health issues. The most common disorders associated with excessive social media use include:

• Depression: Persistent negative thoughts, feelings of worthlessness and social comparison can increase the risk of depression. Children and adolescents who spend a lot of time on social media report sadness and hopelessness more frequently.
• Anxiety disorders: Constantly comparing oneself to others and feeling the need to always be up to date can lead to increased anxiety and panic. Social anxiety disorders in particular can be exacerbated by negative experiences on social networks.
• School anxiety: Children and adolescents who are bullied on social media or are constantly confronted with the successes and lifestyles of their peers can develop a strong sense of insecurity and anxiety that affects their school performance and well-being at school. This anxiety can go so far as to prevent the child from attending school regularly and lead to significant social and academic problems.
• Eating disorders: The constant pressure to conform to a certain ideal of beauty can cause young people to develop an unhealthy relationship with food and their body image. This can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

What are the Long-Term Consequences for the Development of Children and Adolescents?

Children and adolescents who spend a lot of time online often have difficulty developing social skills in real life. Their ability to resolve conflicts, maintain genuine friendships and feel confident in social situations may be impaired. In addition, if left untreated, the mental health conditions mentioned above can have a negative impact on the rest of their lives.

Introduction to the Verus Bonifatius Hospital

At the Verus Bonifatius Hospital, we accompany children and adolescents on their individual path of inner transformation. Our approach is based on the conviction that warm and appreciative encounters with young people are the key to healing. We create an atmosphere in which children and adolescents are accepted with all their rough edges and can feel safe and understood.

The negative effects of social media, such as cyberbullying, peer pressure and constant availability, can lead to serious mental illness. At our Hospital, we offer specialised therapies that aim to alleviate these stresses and strengthen the mental health of those affected in the long term.

Find out more about our Hospital now at Our clinic | Verus Bonifatius Clinic!

Our Approach: Scientifically Based and Relationship-Oriented

Treatment at the Verus Bonifatius Hospital is based on modern scientific findings, particularly from mindfulness research and research on secure attachment. Our work is focused on teaching children, adolescents and their families specific skills for dealing with painful mental states that have arisen through the influence of social media.

We work with a range of therapeutic approaches specifically designed to treat the effects of social media on young people’s mental health. We combine methods from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma therapy and body psychotherapy with depth psychology and relationship-oriented elements based on Rogers and Rosenberg. Our goal is to promote relaxed and healing relationships between parents and children that provide young people with support and a safe environment in which to rediscover their self-efficacy and inner strength.

Therapy Methods at the Verus Bonifatius Hospital

In order to effectively treat mental illnesses that can arise from intensive social media use, we offer a variety of specialised forms of therapy:

• Family therapy intervention: This form of therapy focuses on understanding and improving the dynamics within the family. When it comes to mental health issues triggered by social media, it is crucial that the entire family is involved in the healing process. We help to optimise communication patterns and promote strengthening relationships between parents and children.
• Body, art and music therapy: These therapy methods offer young people an alternative way to express their feelings and inner conflicts, especially when words alone are not enough. In body therapy, young people can release tension and emotional blockages through movement and bodywork. Art therapy enables them to process their emotions through visual forms of expression and to express themselves creatively, while music therapy facilitates access to deeper emotions and hidden feelings.
• Therapy with natural remedies: As a supplement to psychotherapeutic treatment, we also use natural remedies to support the healing process. These methods promote the body’s self-healing powers and help to restore the balance between body and mind, which is particularly useful for stress-related complaints.
• Depth psychology (individual and group therapy): Depth psychology approaches help young people to recognise unconscious conflicts and fears that have been exacerbated by the use of social media. In individual or group therapy sessions, we provide a space to work through these inner conflicts and develop long-term mental stability.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM complements our psychotherapeutic approaches with a holistic view of the human being. Using techniques such as acupuncture and qigong, we aim to strengthen the body and promote the mental well-being of children and adolescents.
• Behavioural therapy: Behavioural therapy is particularly effective in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression and sleep disorders. By learning new patterns of thinking and behaviour, we help young patients alleviate their symptoms and develop a healthy relationship with the digital world again.

Find out more about our entire range of therapies.

FAQ

How Much Time Should Children and Adolescents Spend on Social Media?

The recommended amount of time spent on social media varies depending on the age and individual behaviour of the child or adolescent. In general, it is recommended to limit the time to about one to two hours per day. It is important that social media use does not replace other important activities such as school, hobbies, sleep and social interactions in real life. The quality of the time spent also plays a major role. Parents should pay attention to the content their children consume and talk to them regularly about their experiences and feelings on social media.

What are the Signs That my Child is Suffering From the Influence of Social Media?

There are various signs that may indicate that a child or teenager is suffering from the negative influences of social media. These include mood swings or irritability, especially after using social media, as well as withdrawal from friends and family. If school commitments or other everyday tasks are increasingly neglected and the child has difficulty being offline, this could be another warning sign. Changes in sleeping patterns, such as insomnia or the desire to sleep during the day, as well as increased concern about one’s appearance and constant comparison with others on social networks are also common signs. If you observe these behaviours in your child, it may be helpful to have an open conversation and seek professional help if necessary.

How can I Support my Child in Their use of Social Media?

Parents can support their children in their use of social media by setting clear rules for its use and enforcing them consistently. It is important to encourage open communication about your child’s experiences and feelings on social media. By developing healthy usage habits together, you can help your child learn to enjoy the positive aspects of social media without being overwhelmed by the negative effects. Be a good role model in your own media consumption and encourage your child to pursue offline activities as well to find a healthy balance.

Get in touch with us – we are here to support you and your child and help you find the path to a healthy, balanced life.