Based on “Teens and Social Media Use: What’s the Impact?” by Mayo Clinic Staff — Mayo Clinic.
Social media plays a big role for many teens today. The Mayo Clinic article examines both the good and the bad sides of social media use, and offers tips for parents to support healthier habits.
Benefits of Social Media
Gives teens a space for self-expression and identity building.
Helps them stay connected with friends (even those far away).
Offers support for teens who feel isolated or face challenges.
Provides light or humorous content that can help with emotional relief.
Risks to Be Aware Of
Can distract from school, sleep, exercise, and meaningful face-to-face time.
May expose teens to misinformation, negative comparisons, or harmful content.
Risks include cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and oversharing.
Heavy usage (e.g., over 3 hours daily) has been tied in some studies to mental health concerns.
Parental Strategies & Supports
Set clear boundaries on when and how much social media is allowed.
Use privacy settings to protect personal data and reduce exposure.
Keep open dialogue: ask how social media feels, what they see and post.
Lead by example with your own online use.
Clarify rules about bullying, gossip, and oversharing.
Promote real-life relationships and offline activities.
If signs of struggle emerge, seek help from counselors or mental health professionals.
Summary created for educational use. Original article by Mayo Clinic Staff — Mayo Clinic.