Growing Up On Line: The Realities of Teen Tech Use

In today’s day and age, technology shapes many aspects of teenagers’ lives. In many ways, it has been helpful in supporting mental health—providing virtual access to services, online support communities, and spaces where teens and young adults can connect with others who share similar experiences. Social platforms also offer opportunities for self-expression, which can be meaningful during adolescence.

However, many studies also demonstrate strong correlations between social media use among teens and pre-teens and an increased risk for mental health difficulties. Research suggests that exposure to curated, idealized images on social platforms can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and low self-esteem. The pressure to maintain a certain image or lifestyle online can exacerbate anxiety and depression, particularly for adolescents.

Additionally, some less-monitored mental health sites and virtual support spaces can expose teens to harmful approaches to managing their struggles—both in how they treat themselves and how they interact with their supports. 

Studies also indicate that social platforms can become addictive, as many apps encourage continuous engagement through notifications, infinite scrolling, and reward-based algorithms. This can lead to compulsive use, digital dependence, and disruptions to daily routines, including much-needed sleep routines that protect teens from certain mental health challenges.

How Can I Help My Teen Who Overuses Technology?

For many teens struggling with overuse of technology, this can present as isolative behaviors, withdrawal from daily activities, and reduced time spent with loved ones. Excessive technology use may also lead to emotional overwhelm, as teens are constantly mentally stimulated and may feel a sense of “always being on.” Adults can experience similar effects, but they often have increased awareness of the problem, and they typically have a stronger sense of autonomy in how they navigate their lives compared to teenagers.

Many parents face the challenge of navigating conversations with their teens about technology use, particularly when trying to balance what is considered “normal” limits compared to their teens’ friends or other families. It can be helpful for parents to engage in an open dialogue with their teen about what they enjoy regarding their technology use, and how they would like to incorporate it into their life. At the same time, parents should communicate any boundaries they wish to set—such as technology-free meals, or parent-managed apps restricting certain platforms—while acknowledging and validating their teen’s feelings.

Ideally, discussing expectations in advance and seeking the teen’s agreement on certain aspects of the rules tends to be most effective. Other strategies to help manage the risk of technology overuse include emphasizing the value of in-person hobbies, sports, or simply spending time with friends. Parents can support teens in cultivating a well-rounded relationship with technology, such as providing access to e-books or other interests alongside social media platforms, if appropriate. 

Educating your teen about the risks of ineffective or careless social media use—such as posting comments they wouldn’t say in person or sharing pictures that may never fully disappear from the platform—can help them make more mindful and responsible contributions to any site they engage with. You can explore more creative and effective ways to support your teenager at commonsensemedia.org. 

If you need help on this journey, contact us to get started today.