In the United States, the average teenager spends nine hours a day on social media.

Social media is also affecting the mental health of children and teens. Researchers have found that a majority of 14-24 year old social media users have reported increased feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image, and loneliness, due to viewing the posts of others. 

Sites like Snapchat and Instagram are usually used daily. But Youtube has become the most popular form of social media in 2021, with approximately 85% of teens viewing a video on Youtube daily. 

Social media use can often strain or damage relationships. Among teens age 13-17 who have dated, 13% have had a partner demand that a social media password be shared. And 11% have been threatened with harm online. Over half of teens have been subjected to bullying online. And 1 in 10 adolescents have had embarrassing pictures taken of them and posted on a social media platform without their knowledge or consent. 

Ultimately, we don’t know the solution to the social media addiction issues we are currently facing. However, some tips for parents worried about the wellbeing of their children are to limit screen time on your child’s cell phone. Not just on social media but in general. 

An extreme but recommended antidote is to prohibit social media use for your children at a young age. Although you can’t stop them forever, addictions develop fast, and the earlier they begin the harder they are to break. Be safe, everyone.