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Social media and mental health  

The impact of social media on mental health and ways to improve your digital wellbeing

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.
 

What is social media?

Social media can mean different things to different people.

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 traditionally considered social media, because they often involve private one-to-one conversations, like texting on a mobile phone, for example:

  • Whatsapp

  • Facebook Messenger

However as they evolve, they are becoming more like traditional social media platforms as they distribute content amongst groups.

Tips for healthy social media use

Digital technology is an integral part of our lives, but it can have a negative impact on our mental health if we don’t use it mindfully. We’ve listed a few ways you can create a more balanced relationship with social media below.

If you’re a young person aged 12-25, you can also find more information about youth and mental health on our website.  
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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.
Illustration of a man planting a garden bed

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 

The positive and negative impacts of social media on mental health

When it comes to mental health and wellbeing, there are both advantages and disadvantages to social media.

The positive impacts of social media on mental health

Here are some benefits to using social media.

  • Connectivity and community

  • Access to information and support

  • The normalisation of mental health conditions

The negative impacts of social media on mental health

There are also other factors that may lead to social media doing more harm than good. For example, it can take away from physical activity, getting enough sleep and quality time (face-to-face) with friends. Social media also increases exposure to cyberbullying, abuse, hate speech and distressing content that can escalate quickly in an anonymous online environment.

  • Mental health issues and social media use

  • Social media comparison and validation

  • Social media effects on wellbeing

  • Exposure to distressing content 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? 

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.
Learn more about parenting and mental health

Valuable information and resources on online safety

The eSafety Commissioner is a trusted government authority dedicated to helping parents and carers keep children safe online. Find tips and advice about online safety challenges and how to help your child have positive online experiences.
Visit the eSafety Commissioners website

Social media statistics

At Beyond Blue, we’ve been actively researching the impact of social media on mental health. In 2024, we surveyed our lived experience community, Blue Voices, to understand their experiences with social media usage. The below findings were used to guide a submission for the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society in partnership with mental health organisations ReachOut and Black Dog Institute.
Read the submission for the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society

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 
Learn more about wellbeing

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.
Read the full press release

Get professional help

Kids helpline

Kids Helpline is a free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Call 1800 55 1800 to talk to a counsellor.

Start webchat counsellingJoin the My Circle community

Beyond Blue

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If you’re going through a hard time right now, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 for brief counselling. For free, confidential counselling, call 1300 22 4636.

Start a live chat with a Beyond Blue counsellorRead our Forums

eSafety Commissioner


The eSafety Commissioner is an independent online safety regulator whose purpose is to help protect Australians from online harms and to promote safer online experiences.
Visit websiteReport online harm

Further information and resources

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