The American Psychological Association is urging technology companies and legislators to take greater steps to protect the mental health of adolescents, stating that social media platforms are designed for adults and are not inherently suitable for youth. Social media features such as endless scrolling and push notifications present particular risks to young people, whose developing brains are less able to disengage from addictive experiences and are more sensitive to distractions. More than half of teens report at least one symptom of clinical dependency on social media, which can interfere with their in-person interactions, schoolwork, and sleep. The APA called for fundamental design changes to be made by social media companies to address these issues and protect young users.
Despite age restrictions on social media platforms, many kids find ways to work around them, making it necessary for social media companies to implement design changes to protect adolescent users. The APA report did not specify the exact changes that should be made, but suggested one option could be changing the default experience of social media accounts for children by turning off functions such as endless scrolling and alerts. The group emphasized that platforms seem to be designed to keep kids engaged for as long as possible, which young people find difficult to resist. Social media companies need to prioritize the safety and well-being of young users by implementing changes that promote healthier online behaviors.
The APA released a health advisory on social media use in adolescence last year, acknowledging both the benefits and negatives of social media for young people. While social media can be beneficial in connecting young people with peers facing similar challenges offline, it can also lead to negative consequences such as cyberbullying and interference with offline activities. Despite this advisory, few meaningful changes have been made by technology companies to protect adolescent users, and no federal policies have been adopted to address these issues. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has implemented some changes on its platforms, but more action is needed to ensure the safety of children online.
The report on protecting adolescents’ mental health from the harmful effects of social media comes at a time of increased concern over the impact of technology on young people. Several states have taken legislative action to protect minors from social media addiction, including passing laws prohibiting children under the age of 14 from having social media accounts. The book “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, further highlights the negative impact of smartphones and social media on adolescents’ mental health, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. The book has sparked debate and discussion, but underscores the urgent need for action to protect young people.
In light of these concerns, the APA emphasizes the importance of both technology companies and parents in safeguarding the well-being of young users online. Parents can play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate social media use by setting limits and boundaries on device usage. Suggestions include placing all devices on top of the refrigerator at 9 p.m. each night to encourage proper sleep habits and limiting or postponing a child’s use of social media. According to Prinstein, there is no harm in delaying social media use or setting time limits, as kids may appreciate the structure and guidance provided by their parents. By working together, technology companies and parents can create a safer online environment for adolescents and protect their mental health.
