In today's digital era, social media has become an integral part of the lives of children and adolescents. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter offer opportunities for social connection, self expression, and information sharing. However, alongside the benefits, there is growing concern about the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young individuals. The Daily Morning interviewed Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist attached to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Dr. Darshani Hettiarachchi and Applied Psychologist and Medical Officer attached to the Family Health Bureau, Dr. Lasantha Wijesekara, to explore the potential effects of social media on child and adolescent mental health, examining both the positive and negative aspects.
Adolescent brain development
Brain development in adolescents is a fascinating and complex process that undergoes significant changes during this critical stage of life. Adolescence typically refers to the period between childhood and adulthood, roughly spanning the period from ages 10 to 19 years. This period is characterised by numerous physical, emotional, and cognitive transformations, with the brain playing a central role in shaping these changes. During adolescence, the brain undergoes structural and functional changes that continue to shape an individual's cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, social interactions, and decision making skills. In addition, other brain regions, such as the limbic system, responsible for processing emotions, and the reward centre, experience substantial changes during adolescence. These changes can explain the increased susceptibility to peer influence, heightened emotional responses, and the drive for novel experiences commonly observed in teenagers.
Furthermore, the brain's reward system, particularly the release of the hormone dopamine which is responsible for the feeling of joy, plays a crucial role in shaping adolescent behaviour. This system becomes highly sensitive during adolescence, leading to a heightened response to rewarding stimuli such as social interactions, novelty, and risk taking. This increased sensitivity to rewards can contribute to teenagers' inclination for sensation seeking behaviours, such as experimenting with drugs, engaging in risky sexual activities, or seeking intense experiences.
The prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for decision making, planning, reasoning, and impulse control, is still in the stage of development during adolescence. This area of the brain is essential for executive functions and plays a vital role in guiding behaviour and decision making processes. Usually, it takes about 25 years to develop this region of the brain which is responsible for reasoning and critical thinking. During early adolescence, this immature prefrontal cortex leads to a mismatch between heightened emotional reactivity and the ability to regulate emotions effectively. This imbalance contributes to the characteristic emotional volatility and impulsive behaviour often observed in teenagers. The development of the brain during adolescence is influenced by various factors, including genetics, the environment, and experiences. It is a dynamic process that continues beyond the teenage years into early adulthood. The brain's plasticity during this period provides opportunities for learning, skill development, and the acquisition of new abilities.
Positive aspects of social media
Before delving into the challenges, it is important to acknowledge the positive aspects of social media. Social media platforms can provide a sense of belonging and support, especially for individuals who may feel isolated or marginalised in their offline lives. It can facilitate the formation of friendships, help maintain relationships, and foster community engagement. Moreover, social media can be a valuable source of information, allowing children to access educational content, explore different perspectives, and engage in discussions on important issues.
Negative impact on mental health
■ Cyberbullying and harassment: Social media platforms have created new avenues for cyberbullying, harassment, and online abuse. The anonymity and distance provided by these platforms can encourage individuals to engage in harmful behaviours, leading to increased psychological distress, low self esteem, and even depression among victims.
■ Social comparison and body image concerns: The constant exposure to carefully curated and idealised images on social media can contribute to negative body image related perceptions and feelings of inadequacy. Comparing oneself to highly edited and filtered images can lead to lowered self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and the development of eating disorders.
■ Fear of missing out: Social media platforms often portray a highlight reel of people's lives, leading to the fear of missing out. Constant exposure to others' exciting activities and accomplishments can generate feelings of inadequacy, social anxiety, and isolation.
■ Sleep disturbances: The use of social media, particularly before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone necessary for regulating sleep. Sleep disturbances can negatively impact mental health, including increased anxiety, irritability, and decreased concentration.
■ Addiction and time management: Social media addiction, characterised by excessive and compulsive use, can adversely affect mental health. Excessive time spent on social media may lead to neglecting real life relationships, reduced academic performance, and heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Mitigating the negative impact
To address the potential negative impact of social media on child and adolescent mental health, several strategies can be implemented.
■ Digital literacy and online safety: Promoting digital literacy and educating young individuals about responsible social media use, online safety, and the critical evaluation of online content can empower them to navigate the online world more effectively.
■ Healthy social media habits: Encouraging the adoption of healthy social media habits, such as limiting the screen time, taking regular breaks, and engaging in offline activities, can help maintain a balance between online and offline experiences.
■ Parental involvement and communication: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in monitoring their child's social media usage, setting boundaries, and fostering open communication. Maintaining an ongoing dialogue about the potential risks and benefits of social media can support the development of responsible online behaviour.
■ Mental health support: Schools, communities, and health care providers should provide resources and support services that address mental health issues related to social media use. This includes counseling, education on coping strategies, and early intervention for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
Screen addiction and how to overcome?
Screen addiction refers to the compulsive and excessive use of screens that negatively impacts a child's physical health, mental well-being, and daily functioning. It can lead to issues such as poor academic performance, social isolation, sleep disturbances, and decreased physical activity.
How to prevent screen addiction in children?
Set limits on screen time: Establish clear guidelines regarding the amount of time that children can spend on screens each day. Screens are not recommended for children less than two years of age as there are strong evidence to prove that screens affect negatively on language development, reading skills and short term memory when they are given for children less than two years of age. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends no more than one to two hours of high quality screen time per day for children aged two to five years under parental observations. Create a daily schedule that balances screen time with other activities such as outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and family interactions.
Be a role model: Children often emulate their parents' behaviour. Demonstrate healthy screen habits by limiting your own screen time and engaging in alternative activities. Encourage family activities that do not involve screens, such as board games, sports or outings.
Create screen free zones: Designate certain areas in your home where screens are not allowed, such as bedrooms or the dining table. This helps establish boundaries and encourages children to engage in other activities and foster face-to-face interactions.
Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise and physical activity are crucial for a child's overall well-being. Encourage outdoor play, sports, and other physical activities that get children moving and reduce their sedentary screen time.
Foster offline hobbies and interests: Help your child discover and cultivate offline hobbies such as reading, arts and crafts, playing a musical instrument or participating in sports and extracurricular activities. This helps diversify their interests and reduces dependency on screens for entertainment.
Promote social interactions: Encourage your child to engage in real world social interactions by organising playdates, encouraging participation in team sports, or involving them in community activities. Face-to-face interactions provide valuable social skills and emotional connections that screen time cannot replicate.
Implement technology free routines: Establish daily routines that include designated technology free periods, such as during meals, before bedtime, or during family time. These breaks from screens allow children to unwind, relax, and focus on other important aspects of life.
Monitor and guide content: Be aware of the content that your child consumes and ensure that it is age appropriate and educational. Implement parental controls and monitoring software to restrict access to inappropriate or excessive content. It is essential for the parents to familiarise themselves with novel technologies and about social media.
Educate about responsible screen use: Teach your child about responsible screen use, including the importance of privacy, online safety, and respectful online behaviour. Encourage open communication and address any concerns or questions that they may have about their screen usage.
Preventing screen addiction in children requires a collaborative effort from parents, caregivers, and educators. By promoting a healthy balance between screen time and other activities, children can develop well-rounded lifestyles that prioritise their overall well-being. While social media offers numerous benefits, it is essential to recognise its potential impact on child and adolescent mental health.
(The writer is a Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health.)