New Study Outlines Impact Of Social Media On Teenagers

A recent report is showing the negative impact social media can have on a teenager's life, health experts say.

The Centers for Disease Control reported over 75% of U.S. high school students use social media several times a day, but also said those who used social media often were more likely to be bullied or report feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Faith Crittenden, the vice president of Children's Mental Health and Family Support Services said with social media, constant stress is always there unless you make a concerted effort to turn it off.

Crittenden said the more kids use social media, the more they see symptoms of distress happen. She said educating kids and parents about the effects of social media is crucial for their mental well-being.

"Before, when school was over, you could go home. You could kind of have some separation," Crittenden said. "But with social media platforms, there’s this constant and persistent stress you're experiencing because unless you turn it off or are mindful about closing it down, it just lives in infamy."

Crittenden also said it’s important for families to have conversations about healthy social media use to try and mitigate some of the negative issues that come with it.

"I think it's not just a one-time conversation, it’s always ongoing conversations, much like other conversations we have with kids who are developing at different stages of development," Crittenden said. "So social media is one of those things that is not a one-and-done. It is an ongoing conversation we need to have."

Crittenden also said it's important that parents be mindful of what their kids are looking at so they know what conversations they need to have with their kids.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a Center for Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health where parents can get additional resources. For more, click here.