The Hidden Cost of Social Media on Young Minds
Social media has become part of everyday life for children and teenagers. It’s where they chat with friends, share jokes, watch videos, and keep up with what’s happening in the world. However, I often see the less talked-about side of this digital world - the ways it can quietly chip away at a young person’s confidence, sleep, and overall well-being.
Social media is not inherently “bad,” but its impact on developing minds can be damaging when left unchecked. It’s about recognising that children and teens are still learning who they are, and the online world can be a tricky place to navigate.
The Comparison Trap
On social media, everything looks perfect: flawless selfies, exciting holidays, and fun hangouts with friends. For a teenager who is figuring out who they are, this can create a painful sense of “I’m not good enough.” It’s easy for them to forget that what they see online is often a highlight reel, not real life. Over time, these comparisons can really knock their self-esteem.
Recently, a teenage girl I worked with said, “Every time I open Instagram, I feel like everyone else has their life together, and I’m just… behind.” Her grades were fine, she had supportive friends, but what she saw online made her feel like she wasn’t measuring up. That’s the quiet power of comparison - everything looks shinier on the screen than it feels in real life.
The Pressure to Stay Connected
Many young people tell me they feel they must stay online. If they don’t, they risk missing out on jokes, group chats, or important updates. That pressure - often called FOMO (fear of missing out) - can make them anxious and restless. Their sense of belonging can start to feel tied to likes, comments, or snap streaks.
Sleep Takes a Hit
One of the biggest issues I see is sleep disruption. Phones tucked under pillows, scrolling until midnight, or waking up to check notifications - it all takes a toll. Without proper rest, young people can become moody, irritable, and struggle to focus at school. Good sleep is like emotional armour, and without it, everything feels harder.
The Dark Side: Cyberbullying
Sadly, bullying no longer ends at the school gates. Online harassment can follow children home, leaving them with no safe place to retreat. Hurtful messages or exclusion from online groups can cut deep, leading to feelings of isolation, shame, or depression.
Losing Touch With Real-Life Connections
Social media connects us, but it can also create distance. When so much interaction happens through screens, young people may miss out on developing face-to-face skills - like reading body language, handling disagreements, or simply enjoying unfiltered time with friends and family.
So, What Can We Do?
The goal isn’t to ban social media completely, after all, it’s part of their world. Instead, it’s about helping them find balance. Here are a few gentle ways to support them:
Encourage boundaries: Keep phones out of bedrooms at night so sleep isn’t disrupted.
Be curious: Ask them about what they’re watching or posting and listen without judgment.
Model healthy habits: If they see you putting your phone aside at dinner, they’ll learn that screens don’t have to rule every moment.
Create offline opportunities: Sports, hobbies, family outings, or just hanging out together to give them a break from the online world.
Watch for signs of struggle: If they’re withdrawing, becoming secretive about their phone use, or their mood shifts suddenly, it may be worth checking in gently.
A Final Thought
Social media isn’t going anywhere. But with awareness, patience, and open conversations, we can help young people use it in ways that support their growth rather than harm it. Think of it as teaching them how to drive: the internet is a powerful vehicle, and they’ll need guidance, boundaries, and encouragement to navigate it safely.
Your Next Step
If you’re a parent, carer, or teacher, take a moment this week to check in with the young people in your life. Ask them how they feel about social media, what they enjoy, and what makes them uncomfortable. These conversations don’t have to be heavy - they just need to be open. And if you notice your child is struggling, please know support is out there. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.