LD.11: Deep Dive – Social Media’s Impact on Children and Youth

Approximate reading time: 3 minutes

Social media platforms have profoundly influenced the experiences of children and youth, offering unique opportunities for self-expression, peer interaction, and community building (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). They provide spaces for creativity, digital literacy development, and collaborative learning (Greenhow & Lewin, 2016). However, excessive social media use can have negative consequences, including decreased school performance due to distractions and reduced study time (Kirschner & Karpinski, 2010). Additionally, research has shown a correlation between heavy social media use and increased symptoms of anxiety and depression among young people (Twenge et al., 2018).

The impact of social media on aggression and prosocial behaviours is multifaceted. Exposure to aggressive online behaviour, such as cyberbullying, has been associated with increased aggression in users (Kowalski et al., 2014). Conversely, social media platforms also offer spaces for positive interactions and the promotion of prosocial behaviours (Runions et al., 2017). Therefore, the effects of social media on children and youth depend on individual usage patterns, characteristics, and the nature of their interactions on these platforms.

Marginalized children and youth, including girls, young people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups, face both empowering and harmful aspects of social media. These platforms can provide spaces for identity exploration, community building, and advocacy among 2SLGBTQ+ youth (Craig & McInroy, 2014). However, they are also vulnerable to online harassment, discrimination, and cyberbullying (Tynes et al., 2008). Girls and young women are particularly susceptible to online sexual harassment and body shaming, which can negatively impact self-image and mental health (Barter et al., 2017; Fardouly et al., 2015; Woods & Scott, 2016).

Similarly, young people of colour and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals often experience targeted harassment and hate speech on social media platforms (Tynes et al., 2008). Racialised and 2SLGBTQ+ youth report higher rates of cyberbullying compared to their peers (Schuster & Bogart, 2016). These experiences can contribute to increased mental health risks, including anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem (McInroy, 2016).

Despite the challenges, social media can also be a powerful tool for resilience and advocacy among marginalised communities. Many marginalised young people utilize these platforms to build supportive networks, raise awareness about the issues they face, and advocate for social change (Bond et al., 2017).

Overall, social media has both positive and negative impacts on the development of children and youth. While these platforms provide opportunities for self-expression, peer interaction, and community building, they can also be associated with distractions, mental health issues, and the perpetuation of harmful behaviours. Marginalized children and youth face unique challenges, such as online harassment and discrimination, but they also find spaces for empowerment, identity exploration, and activism. To maximize the benefits and mitigate the risks, it is important to promote digital literacy, foster safe online environments, and support marginalized individuals in navigating social media platforms effectively.