The recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General offers valuable guidance for young people to foster mental well-being on the internet. With up to 95% of all youth between 13 and 17 years old being social media users, it is evident that social media is an integral part of the Gen Z way of life. The Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, raised concerns about social media’s impact on youth mental health, particularly among young children and teens. To address these concerns, the advisory on social media and youth mental health offers crucial insights and actionable recommendations to safeguard the well-being of today’s digitally connected generation. Here are five valuable tips from the advisory that a teenager can follow to navigate social media while avoiding potential mental health challenges.
- Be mindful of the possibility of mental health crises, both for yourself and your friends. Encourage open communication and understanding among peers, emphasize the importance of seeking help when needed, and recognize warning signs of mental distress. Encourage friends to seek assistance from trusted adults or mental health professionals when necessary.
- Establish boundaries between your online and offline selves. Work screen-free time into your day, especially around the dinner table or an hour or two before you turn in for the night. Doing so will give you the ability to separate who you are in real life from who you portray yourself to be online. Fostering real, human relationships goes a long way in combating social-media-based distress.
- Develop healthy practices around privacy, fact-checking, and screen time. Understand that you have the power to restrict how much of your information other people and corporations have access to. Try to learn as much as you can about the privacy policy of your favorite social media platforms. Recognize that not everything you consume on social media is based on facts. Always try to fact-check and develop your own viewpoints, while being respectful toward those of others.
- Be mindful of what you share, who you share it with, and how you share it. By being mindful of what and how you share online, you can protect your privacy and avoid potential negative consequences. The study’s findings underscore the importance of caution and thoughtfulness in online self-disclosure.
- Always call out cyberbullying and never hesitate to get a trusted adult involved. Cyberbullying can cause immense emotional distress and have long-lasting effects on mental health. Speak up and call out the behavior, whether it’s directed at you or others. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. They can provide guidance, support, and intervene effectively to address the situation. Also, don’t propagate hurtful content about people, and report offensive content to the social media platform you found it in.
One of the most empowering ways for young individuals to combat the mental health issues stemming from social media is by taking steps to protect themselves. It is essential to foster a culture where adolescents are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions, seek support when needed, and prioritize their mental health in the digital age.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
