11/19/2025
https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use
Social Media Is Near-Universal for Teens
A very high proportion of adolescents use social media.
Because use is so common, small risks can have big public health implications.
1) It’s Not All Bad — There Are Benefits
2) Social media can foster social support, connection, and emotional intimacy — especially helpful for teens who feel isolated or stressed.
3) For vulnerable youth (e.g., those with mental health challenges), it may offer a space to connect and express themselves.
4) But — “using social media is not inherently beneficial or harmful.” Context matters (how they use it, what they see, their pre-existing vulnerabilities).
Serious Risks Exist
1.) Exposure to harmful content: This includes content that encourages self-harm, disordered eating, risk-taking, or violence.
2.) Cyberhate and online bullying: Discrimination, prejudice, harassment — these can be especially harmful, particularly for marginalized groups.
3.) Overuse concerns: Too much social media can interfere with sleep and physical activity, both of which are critical for healthy adolescent development.
4.) Risk of problematic use: There may be “problematic social media use” (behaviors that interfere with daily life), which can lead to more serious psychological issues over time.
5.) Social comparison: Particularly around appearance and beauty content, which can negatively affect self-esteem.
Gaps in the Evidence
~ The APA acknowledges that we don’t fully understand which types of social media content or usage patterns are most harmful — and what protective factors might help.
~ More research is needed, especially long-term studies, and better access to platform data to study impacts.
Recommendations (American Psychological Association’s 10 Key Guidelines)
Here are the advisory’s main recommendations for different stakeholders (teens, parents, policymakers, tech companies):
1.) Promote Social Support Use
2.) Encourage youth to use social media in ways that foster support, connection, and emotional closeness.
3.) Design According to Developmental Needs
4.) Social media platforms should tailor features, permissions, and alerts to adolescents’ developmental stage. Adult designs may not fit young users.
5.) Balance Monitoring and Autonomy
6.) For younger teens (early adolescence), parents/caregivers should monitor, discuss, and coach social media use. Over time, as digital literacy grows, give more autonomy — but still respect privacy.
7.) Limit Exposure to Harmful Behavior Content. Reduce access to content that encourages self-harm, disordered eating, violence, or other risk-taking.
8.) Platforms shouldn’t “push” users toward such content.
9.) Minimize “Cyberhate” Exposure. Limit exposure to content involving discrimination, hate speech, or bullying.
10.) Screen for Problematic Use
Clinicians, parents, and others should watch for signs of social media use that impair daily functioning or predict psychological harm.
~ Protect Sleep & Physical Activity
Social media use should not disrupt sleep routines or reduce physical activity — both are very important for healthy development.
~ Limit Social Comparison
Encourage teens to be mindful of content that triggers comparison, especially appearance-related content (beauty, body image).
~ Teach Social Media Literacy
Before (or when) teens use social media, they should get training in understanding how it works: recognizing risky content, understanding algorithms, assessing credibility, and identifying unhealthy patterns.
These competencies help them use social media more safely and meaningfully.
Research Investment
~ Significant, long-term research should be funded to better understand social media’s positive and negative effects.
~ Researchers should get better access to data (including from platforms) to do high-quality studies.
Why This Matters — Implications
For Parents/Caregivers:
Understand that social media isn’t automatically “bad,” but guidance and structure are important. Talk with your teen, set boundaries, and coach them in how to use it well.
For Teenagers:
Be mindful. Use social media in ways that support you (friendship, connection), but also be aware of content that might be harmful. Learn how to spot problematic patterns.
For Tech Companies:
There’s a responsibility to design platforms with adolescent development in mind: features, age-appropriate settings, content moderation, and safety protections.
For Policymakers & Researchers:
The advisory calls for actions: regulation, better safety standards, transparency from platforms, and more research to fill knowledge gaps.
This health advisory provides 10 recommendations to ensure that teens develop healthy social media practices.
