Schools are the best place from where children gets the right education. Parents always looks for the best school where their child may remain fit and healthy. Today, in this web blog, we will talk about the impact of social media on mental health of children.
At their free time, children love to use social media. In this modern world, they love to use Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Some experts believe that mental health concerns may be an unexpected side effect of increased social media use. While the link between the two is still being researched, it’s becoming more important to monitor the way children and teens use social media and its effects.
How does social media affect mental health in children and teens?
There are many positive and negative affects of social media. Students can get many more knowledge from social media. Many children found some community online that help them through difficult times. In addition, many children and teens can find support using social media. For instance, many social media platforms encourage help-seeking behaviours, such as:
- Helping initiate mental health care
- Affirming sexual identities
- Providing social support
- Providing a buffering effect against stress
Negative effects of social media on children and teens
There are many negative effects of social media on children and teens. The frequent social media use could be associated with changes in part of the brain. There is also some correlation between social media use and common mental health concerns. One of the most common interrelationships is between social media and depression. “Research has demonstrated that there are high rates of depression with very low social media use and very high social media use, demonstrating that there is a ‘sweet spot’ of use for each child that is often specific to their own developmental level and protective factors,” Katzenstein says.
Signs parents should watch for
- Sudden withdrawal or mood changes
- Excessive use of phones or secretive behaviour
- Poor academic performance
- Reduce interest in physical activities or hobbies
How parents and school can help?
The top English medium school in Howrah and parents can help in several ways –
- Set healthy boundaries – Our top CBSE school in Howrah set healthy boundaries for students. The teachers and parents encourages screen free time, especially before bed. Parents use parental control to monitor app usage.
- Open communication - Talk openly about the effects of social media. Let children know they can speak up if something online bothers them.
- Promote offline activities – Parents and teachers of our Sudhir Memorial Institute Liluah may need to engage them in sports, arts and family activities to balance screen time with real world experiences.
- Digital literacy education - Teach children how to use social media responsibly. Help them differentiate between real and curated content.
- Lead by example - Children mirror adults. Reducing your own screen time and showing balanced digital behavior can influence them positively.
Our school is a top CBSE school in Howrah, located in Liluah. Our school follows CBSE curriculum and provides some of the best services and facilites. It’s a co-ed English medium schools where boys and girls are given equal importance.
Conclusion
Social media isn’t inherently harmful—but like any tool, it depends on how it’s used. With the right guidance, children can enjoy the benefits of social media while staying mentally healthy and emotionally secure. As caregivers, educators, and a society, it’s our responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment—both online and offline—for our children to grow and thrive.
