Social media and mental health
Social media has become a normal part of everyday life. Some people use it to stay up to date with friends, check out the latest dance trends, or connect with online communities.
This page looks at the effects social media can have on our mental health, including social media anxiety. It also explores the positive benefits of social media, guidelines for healthy social media use, as well as online mental health resources.
This page looks at the effects social media can have on our mental health, including social media anxiety. It also explores the positive benefits of social media, guidelines for healthy social media use, as well as online mental health resources.
On this page
Traditional social media
Social media is most well-known for giving people the opportunity to create content—like upload photos and post about what they’re up to—then publicly share these with friends and contacts. Such platforms include:
Facebook (owned by Meta)
Instagram (owned by Meta)
TikTok
X (formerly known as Twitter)
Snapchat
Other types of social media
Social media is also a place where people can consume content, play games, and engage with communities (using forums, for example). Such platforms include:
YouTube
Reddit
Roblox
4chan
Twitch
There is some crossover with messaging platforms that enable users to interact with large audiences, such as Discord and Slack.
What is not social media
Some messaging platforms are not considered social media, because they often involve private one-to-one conversations, like texting on a mobile phone, for example:
Whatsapp
Facebook Messenger
said the effect was both positive and negative
said it was generally positive
said it was generally negative
The top 3 reasons for using social media:
to connect with family and friends
for learning and entertainment
to connect with people with similar interests
Most common negative effects of social media:
taking people away from other activities
making people feel bad about themselves
Signs that social media is affecting your mental health
If you’re worried that social media might be having a negative impact on your mental health and wellbeing, here are some signs to look out for:
- You feel more distracted than usual
- You’re neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- You’re comparing yourself to others online with envy or dissatisfaction
- You’ve started withdrawing from family, friends, and activities you normally enjoy
- You catch yourself endlessly scrolling online
- You’re being cyberbullied
- You don’t sleep as well
- You feel down, flat, anxious or irritable after being on social media
How parents can talk to their children about social media
Talking to children about social media can feel daunting. You’re not the only one to worry about its impact – Beyond Blue research tells us that 60% of parents with primary-school aged children are seriously concerned about their child’s mental health. Cyberbullying and screen time are major concerns. So how can we approach these conversations?
Recognise the signs of concern
Children may not always be able to articulate how social media is affecting them, which is why it’s important to stay alert to signs of social media anxiety. Watch for any changes in mood, behaviour, or social withdrawal. Have open conversations when you notice them. Being proactive in addressing these signs can help reduce the negative effects of social media on your child's mental health.
Start with empathy and understanding
A sense of safety, positive connections with others, and meaningful activities have a positive impact on kids’ mental health. That’s why it’s important for parents to approach social media discussions with compassion. Instead of focusing on restrictions, try talking to your child about their online experiences – the good and the bad. This allows for an honest exchange of thoughts and feelings, without a sense of judgement.
Lead by example and set clear boundaries
To help your kids navigate social media in a healthy way, it’s a good idea to lead by example. If you’re constantly on your phone or checking social media, it can be hard to persuade your child to disconnect. Encourage your children to take digital breaks, practice mindfulness, and spend quality time with family and friends. Setting clear limits on social media fosters healthier habits for everyone.
Seek professional support when needed
Early intervention is key to minimising the impact of mental health concerns. If your child shows signs of distress related to social media or their mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Getting support quickly can make a big difference. The sooner parents notice concerns and act, the better the outcome will be.
Put your own oxygen mask on first – take care of yourself
Parenting in this digital age is challenging. Remember that your mental health is just as important. According to Beyond Blue research, one in three parents experience issues with their mental health. The good news is that support is available, and parents can do things to help their kids, themselves, and navigate these challenges in ways that protect their mental health. Practicing self-care, reaching out for support when needed, and making time to recharge can make a world of difference in your family’s overall wellbeing.
Key takeaways for parents and caregivers
Discussing social media with empathy, setting healthy boundaries, and staying involved can help your child have a better relationship with social media.
- Recognise the signs of concern and act early
- Talk openly about social media and its impact on mental health
- Set boundaries for screen time, ensuring real-life connections come first
- Model balanced social media use and encourage offline activities
- Don’t hesitate to seek professional help as soon as its needed
- Take care of your own mental health so you can better support your child.
Set time limits
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re on social media. If you’d like to cut back, check out features that are built into each platform to monitor your usage. You could also explore apps and tools that help limit your social media time.
Unplug occasionally
A short digital detox can give your mind a much-needed break. Stepping away from social media for a few hours – or even a whole day – is a simple form of self-care that can help you reset and feel more connected to what’s around you.
Go offline and get outside
Spending time outdoors can help you recharge and feel more grounded. Whether it’s going for a walk or catching up with friends in the park, switching Facebook for fresh air can ease digital stress and boost your overall wellbeing.
Remember it’s a business
The ads you see online are designed to trap you into impulsive buying. A Harvard School of Public Health study found that ads on social media aimed at children and young people generated almost US$11 billion in sales in one year.
Curate your feed
Follow accounts that inspire you. Ignore, unfollow, or mute those that don’t. By zeroing in on what uplifts and entertains you, you’re less likely to come across content that may negatively impact your self-esteem.
Control your notifications
Constant notifications can be distracting and stressful. All those pings and alerts can make everything feel urgent, pulling you away from what really matters. Turning them off can help you focus and feel more in control of your time.
Beat the infinite scroll
Social media platforms are built to keep you browsing. Algorithms prioritise content that grabs your attention, and this can lead to endless scrolling without you even realising. Being aware is a great step towards healthier social media use.
Learn about cyberbullying
No one should have to deal with online harassment. It’s important to recognise cyberbullying and know how to respond. This can help keep you – and the people you care about – safe. Learn more about cyberbullying.
Beyond Blue and the social media ban
The Australian government is launching a ban on social media use for Australians under 16 years old. This legislation is called The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act.
At Beyond Blue, we believe that:
- Social media companies should mitigate mental health harms from their platforms.
Beyond Blue advocates that there should be a focus on safety by design from social media companies, putting the onus back on social media companies to ensure the safety of its younger cohort of users - Social media literacy interventions are key to improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
Beyond Blue advocates that governments should continue to invest in high-quality, evidence-based social media literacy resources tailored to the needs of the younger users.
