Social Media Pressure Linked To Teen Anxiety -- Tips For Parents

A research presented to the British Psychological Society has found that the pressure to be available, or within reach, via social media can actually cause depression, anxiety, and a lesser quality of sleep in teens.

LiveScience reports that a study done by researchers from the University of Glasgow shows that teens who are pressured to be always available on social media may have problems with depression and anxiety, and also a lower quality of sleep at night.

Study coauthor Heather Cleland Woods, a psychology administration teacher at Glasgow, said via HealthDay: "Adolescence can be a period of increased vulnerability for the onset of depression and anxiety, and poor sleep quality may contribute to this."

"It is important that we understand how social media use relates to these," added Cleland Woods.

The researchers surveyed 467 teenagers regarding their overall and night-time specific use of social media. Also collected were data stating participant sleep quality, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and the pressure they felt to be available in social media -- what is called "emotional investment."

Results showed that the more the teens are active in social media, and the more emotional investment that they have into it, the lower the quality of sleep and self-esteem that they have, as well as higher depression and anxiety levels.

Cleland Woods suggests that families, or parents, should use what is called a "digital sunset."

"Turn off the devices and the blue light, stop checking e-mails and social media, and allow yourself time to finish your day," she said. "Sleep is important, so put your phone away."

However, she also said that social media use in itself is not a negative activity, but people should think about how and when should they go online.

University of Michigan associate professor of communication studies Scott Campbell also explained via HealthDay that teens' engagement to social media "is not all bad."

"There is another side to this story, and that is that kids are getting a lot of social support through social media," said Campbell, who was not involved with the study.

If you're a parent, ProtectKids.com gives some tips on how to handle your child's social media activities, such as (but not limited to):

1) Supervising computer use;
2) Knowing your kids' online activities and friends;
3) Limiting and monitoring the amount of time your child spends on the Internet; and
4) Establishing online rules and an agreement with your child about Internet use at home and outside of the home.

"Teens who may be feeling lonely already and are looking for a little boost may then turn to social media, in which case they're bringing their sense of low self-worth with them to the table," said Campbell.