As parents, we all share a deep concern when we see our teens struggling, and rightfully so. Over the last decade, there has been a significant and troubling increase in anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of high school students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness has risen from 28% in 2011 to 42% in 2021. Even more alarming, suicide has become the third leading cause of death for teenagers aged 15 to 19. While many factors contribute to these statistics, the rise of cell phones, social media, and the unique challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have played substantial roles in this escalating crisis.
How Social Media and Cell Phones Affect Our Teens’ Mental Health
Many of us have witnessed how the constant presence of smartphones and social media impacts our kids. Studies have shown a strong link between heavy social media use and increased anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts among teens. The pressure to constantly compare themselves to others, the threat of cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content can create an environment that is detrimental to their mental well-being. With their phones always within reach, many teens find it difficult to escape these pressures. It is important to recognize how these digital landscapes may affect their mental health and to start meaningful conversations about balanced technology use and healthy online habits.
“I see teens these days, struggling with worries and fears that seem amplified by the impact of social media and screen time,” says Brian Harpst, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Orange County Health Psychologists, Inc. “While there is some benefit to connection through social media, there are the negative impacts on these teens, in the forms of fear, worry, and self-judgment. These are difficult to escape from and feel good about yourself.”
The Pandemic’s Profound Impact on Adolescent Well-Being
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the mental health challenges faced by our teens. Long periods of isolation, disrupted routines, and uncertainty about the future have heightened feelings of anxiety and depression for many young people. A CDC report highlighted a notable increase in emergency room visits related to mental health among adolescents during the pandemic, underscoring how lockdowns and remote schooling have impacted their well-being. As parents, we can help by recognizing these difficulties and providing extra support, love, and understanding during these challenging times.
Emotional Learning: Building Resilience in Our Teens
While the challenges are daunting, there are promising solutions. Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs have emerged as a critical tool in helping adolescents manage their mental health. These programs focus on developing essential skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving, which can reduce anxiety and depression while fostering resilience. Encouraging these practices at home and advocating for their inclusion in school curriculums can create supportive environments where teens feel empowered to manage their emotions and cope with stress.
“When I sit with my young people in sessions (and when I am with my teens at home), I pay attention to what and who they pay attention to,” Harpst explains. “Usually, it’s the pressures and expectations they have internalized. This is often the place where they start their own version of the story, ‘I am not good enough.'”
Bullying and the Return to In-Person Schooling
For some teens, returning to in-person learning has presented new challenges, especially for those who have experienced bullying. Both online and offline, bullying remains a significant source of anxiety and depression. Schools are working hard to create positive cultures, implement robust anti-bullying policies, and foster open communication, but we, as parents, also have a role to play. By being aware of the signs of bullying and encouraging open dialogue with our children, we can help them feel safe and supported.
Moving Forward: Supporting Our Teens’ Mental Health
Supporting our teens’ mental health requires a comprehensive approach. Alongside traditional mental health services, we should also consider additional strategies, such as promoting social-emotional learning, setting healthy boundaries around social media use, and strengthening support networks in schools and communities. These combined efforts can provide our teens with the tools, resources, and understanding they need to thrive during these challenging times.
“As a parent, our work with young people can be challenging but may be a reminder to you about the fast-paced place we live in,” Harpst advises. “I find that showing them real one-on-one attention is a great place to start; playing games, sharing jokes, talking about what they are interested in as hobbies or creative arts, or sports, and interacting on those topics. These kids want a real sense of belonging as they are, not as they should be.”
Conclusion: The Value of Professional Support
Harpst also provides practical tips for parents to support their teens: “Have family time with no screens (phones), have real dinner time, show them it’s okay to play outside, go play outside with them, normalize average school results, let it be okay to get a B and not an A, show up for them if they do a sport or play an instrument or paint a piece of art, let it be okay to have fun, go have fun with them.”
While parents play a critical role in supporting their teens, working with a licensed therapist can provide invaluable help. Therapists can offer a safe space for teens to express their feelings, teach effective coping strategies, and help them build resilience. Therapy provides a structured environment where teens can learn to manage their emotions, develop healthy relationships, and navigate the challenges they face more effectively. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional to explore how they can help.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.
- Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432.
- Leeb, R. T., Bitsko, R. H., Radhakrishnan, L., Martinez, P., Njai, R., & Holland, K. M. (2020). Mental health-related emergency department visits among children aged <18 years during the COVID-19 pandemic — United States, January 1–October 17, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(45), 1675–1680.
- Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2019). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3-17.
About Brian Harpst, LMFT
Brian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over seven years of professional experience. He uses curiosity and collaboration in the context of family systems, strength-based, and trauma informed therapy to help clients heal, grow, and create a more meaningful life. Brian has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse, and enjoys incorporating mindfulness techniques into the therapy process when appropriate. He works with teens age 14+ as well as with young adults and adults.
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949-491-1107
949-491-1107
CA License LMFT 139206