APA Recommends Smart, Sensible Social Media Use for Adolescents

In May, the American Psychological Association (APA) released health advisory recommendations for social media usage in adolescence, noting that social media is neither inherently beneficial nor harmful to young people, and effects on mental health depend on outside factors like individual characteristics, social circumstances, and the content being consumed.

Not all findings and recommendations apply universally, authors remarked, and “age-appropriate use of social media should be based on each adolescent’s level of maturity (eg, self-regulation skills, intellectual development, comprehension of risks) and home environment.”

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The APA guidelines also urged parents to be aware of the frequent circulation of content perpetuating hatred and discrimination toward marginalized communities and perpetuating racism, misogyny, homophobia, and other “harmful ideologies and beliefs.”

The APA recommends the following:

1. Adolescents using social media should be encouraged to find online communities that foster support, companionship, and health socialization to help alleviate stress and find connection with like-minded people;
2. Certain social media capabilities should be tailored to adolescents’ understanding and explained. Adolescents should be informed about how their online behavior creates data that can be used, stored, or shared;
3. Adult surveillance should be exercised “balanced with youths’ appropriate needs for privacy,” in early adolescence (10 to 14 years). This can be gradually removed as teens gain digital literacy and a better understanding of the internet;
4. Exposure to harmful content depicting illegal or dangerous behavior (such as self-harm or disordered eating) should be minimized. Such exposure can promote similar behavior among vulnerable youth and lead to serious psychological symptoms;
5. Exposure to cyberhate, discrimination, and online bullying should be avoided, especially when directed toward someone because of their identity. Seeing content like this can contribute to anxiety, depressive symptoms, and psychological distress;
6. Routine screening for problematic social media use is essential, including indicators like excessive use, cravings, and disruptions to daily life;
7. Social media use should not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or in-person social interactions. This can disrupt neurological development and affect emotional functioning, rates of depression, and suicide risk;
8. Social comparison should be avoided, particularly with beauty- or appearance-focused content to prevent negative body image and depressive symptoms;
9. Adolescents should receive training in social media literacy to ensure safe and balanced usage, including how to ascertain the accuracy of content, understanding mis- and disinformation tactics, conflict resolution, and safe discussion of mental health online;
10. Substantial resources should be allocated to research social media's effects on adolescent development, including long-term studies and marginalized populations. 
     

Authors noted that there are still limitations on research in this area, such as challenges to establish causal associations, largely unknown long-term effects, and a lack of research on marginalized populations.

Reference 

Health advisory on social media use in adolescence. News release. American Psychological Association. May 10, 2023. Accessed June 7, 2023.