‘Adolescence’ explores the negative effects of social media on teens: 6 ways parents can protect their kids

The Netflix series “Adolescence” is about more than just investigating the murder of a teenage girl by her classmate Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper. Yes, this shows the impact the arrest has had on the juvenile’s family and the way the criminal justice system handles juvenile cases. This British psychological crime drama also explores the pressures of social media on teenagers and how it affects their mental health. The hit series sparked a debate about the impact of social media on teens. Find out how digital platforms can negatively impact children’s mental health and what parents can do about it.

What is “adolescence”?

The four-part web series begins with several police officers with guns bursting into 13-year-old Jamie’s bedroom. When he pees in his pants out of fear, a police officer arrests him on suspicion of stabbing a female classmate (Katie) to death. Although he denies killing his classmate, Inspector Bascom (Ashley Walters) shows the boy a video of a boy stabbing a girl to death.

As part of the investigation, Bascom visits Jamie’s school to obtain information about the murder weapon. They also look at some social media posts that Jamie and Katie have exchanged to see if they are friends. Cops believe the teenagers were friends, but Bascombe’s son Adam, who attends the same school, hinted on Instagram that Jamie had been bullied by Katie.

It was then revealed that Jamie had asked Katie out. However, she rejected his advances and used emojis to refer to him as an “incel,” or involuntary bachelor. The series suggests that a 13-year-old boy who called himself “ugly” killed Katie because he hurt her feelings by attacking her on social media. This piece highlights the negative effects of social media on teenagers, especially boys.

Impact of social media on teens

“Adolescence” focuses on the negative effects of social media on teenagers. Things that may affect your child include:

1. Cyberbullying

“This is bullying that occurs through electronic devices and is a prevalent problem among youth today,” says psychiatrist Dr. Shaunak Ajinkya. According to a study published in Frontiers, childhood and adolescent victimization rates due to cyberbullying range from 13.99 to 57.5 percent worldwide.

“To people, especially adults who don’t know the meaning, it can seem innocuous, often hidden behind emojis, slang, and sarcasm. It’s subtle, coded, and hidden behind emojis, slang, and sarcasm,” says psychotherapist and life coach Dr. Chandni Tughnait.

As seen in “Adolescence,” what appears to be a friendly interaction on Instagram can actually hide ridicule and emotional harm. There are many mental health consequences for youth who experience cyberbullying. “They may experience depression and anxiety and may have suicidal thoughts,” Dr. Ajinkya says. Cyberbullying is also associated with low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness.

2. Emotional disconnection and loneliness

One of the effects of social media on teens is that too much interaction online can reduce connections in real life. “Teens may have difficulty expressing their emotions face-to-face and feeling like their true feelings are being heard,” says Dr. Tugnight. Despite always being “connected,” many teenagers may feel emotionally isolated and lonely.

3. Distorted body image

Social media platforms place a huge emphasis on appearance and often promote unrealistic beauty standards. Teenagers are frequently exposed to filtered and edited images that create a false illusion of perfection. “This exposure fosters social comparisons focused on appearance, which often leads to body dissatisfaction and body image issues among teens,” Dr. Ajinkya says. This is one of the negative effects of social media on teenagers.

4. Sleep disorders

One of the effects of social media on teens is that it can affect the quality of their sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for healthy development in teens. However, social media use may contribute to sleep problems in this age group. “One important factor is exposure to blue light from devices, which can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone needed to regulate sleep,” experts say.

5. Anxiety and depression

Excessive use of social media can be linked to anxiety and depression. Teenagers often engage in trolling on digital platforms. They focus on body shame, personal performance, language, and lifestyle, which can cause anxiety, depressive symptoms, and stress, according to a study published in the journal Cureus.

How social media affects teens: Tips for parents to protect their children

The negative effects of social media on teenagers cannot be ignored. Here’s what parents can do:

1. Create an open conversation about your online life

The effects of social media on teens are not always visible, but they are more likely to share if they are not afraid of being criticized or overreacting. “As parents, we can stay connected by showing genuine curiosity, encouraging honesty, and teaching our children how to name and report online harm,” says Dr. Tugnight.

2. Encourage face-to-face contact and offline activities

Help your child maintain a balance between their online and offline lives by encouraging them to interact with friends and participate in multiple activities in the real world. “These activities can boost self-esteem and provide positive social connections outside of social media,” Dr. Ajinkya says.

3. Monitor your child’s social media accounts

According to the American Psychological Association, parents should closely monitor their children’s social media use, especially when they’re around 10 or 14 years old. As they mature, you can adjust the level of oversight based on their responsibilities and maturity.

4. Turn on and manage your privacy settings

Help your child understand and take advantage of the privacy settings on their social media accounts. Make sure these settings are adjusted to limit sharing of personal information with people, especially strangers. Teach them not to share their names, addresses, phone numbers, passwords, and financial information online.

5. Set boundaries without control

Instead of enforcing strict rules, work with your children to create boundaries. Discuss screen time limits and appropriate platforms. “Involving them in the decision-making process gives them more ownership and is more likely to be willing to follow your boundaries,” says Dr. Tugnight.

6. Model healthy social media habits

Show your children a balanced approach to technology by being mindful of your own social media use. “Put your phone away when you enjoy time with your family and set healthy boundaries to limit screen time,” says Dr. Ajinkya.

The series “Adolescence” started a discussion about the impact of social media on teenagers. It can affect their self-esteem and even lead to anxiety and depression. If you are a parent, monitor and set boundaries to protect your children.