Signs your teen is addicted to social media

The average teen in the U.S. spends nearly five hours a day on social media, according to a Gallup poll. Think about it. That’s 20% of a 24-hour day and more than 31% of the 16 hours teen spend awake each day.

How social media is addictive

Social media is designed to be highly addictive. Companies need you – specifically cool and creative teens – on their apps to make money.

• Teens can’t get off these apps, and they don’t realize it.
• Some of the highest paid computer scientists and psychologists in the world refine social media feeds and algorithms.
• Algorithms are constantly updated to better target consumers and make it more difficult to look away from the app.

Possible dangers of social media for youth

In many cases, social media usage is not a healthy habit for teens. The U.S. surgeon general said in 2024 he wants social media platforms to require warning labels like those on cigarette boxes. He noted that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents.

• A study revealed that more than three hours a day of social media can double the risk of a mental health issue for kids between the ages of 12 to 15.
• Research shows 30% of teens using social media have experienced cyberbullying – a significant cause of depression, anxiety and violent behavior in teens.
• In February of 2024, the FBI issued a warning about ‘sextortion’ – people developing online relationships with kids for the purpose of getting inappropriate videos or photos and exploiting them.

Signs of addiction to watch for

Parents should step in if they notice their teens are:

• on their phones during class time in school
• not finishing their homework
• avoiding spending time with friends and family
• skipping activities they once enjoyed or excelled in.

How you can help prevent social media addictions

Of course there are positive sides to social media, and parents should play an active role to make sure their kids aren’t subjected to the negative effects.

• Set firm screen time limits.
• Support activities where your teen must connect with others in person in a safe environment.
• Make sure your teen is getting the recommended amount of sleep each night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 8 to 10 hours.
• Keep screens out of their rooms at night (this includes televisions).
• Talk to teens about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.