The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Young Children

Research has shown that social media addiction is a leading cause of mental health problems among young children in Bangladesh. But according to Tobias Dienlin, assistant professor of interactive communication at the University of Vienna in Austria, there is no precise definition of social media addiction. However, he suggests that the fact that there is no diagnostic system does not mean that the phenomenon is not real. According to Dienlin, “excessive social media use turns into an addiction when users do not get around to other important things in their lives, when they had the desire to use social media less but found themselves unable to think about anything else, and when they start neglecting real social relationships.” When we observe children around us who are heavily engaged with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, we can sense that concerns about excessive social media use hit pretty close to home.

Several studies, conducted before and after Covid-19, have shown that social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. One worrying finding comes from a 2017 study that found that social media platforms, particularly Instagram, were responsible for increased anxiety, depression, loneliness and feelings of inadequacy among young people. It also found that social media was more addictive than cigarettes or alcohol. These concerns were mainly raised because these platforms often present an idealised version of life, encouraging constant comparison and competition, which can undermine self-confidence and lead to poor mental health. Some other negative aspects of social media use were found in another study conducted in 2017. The risks identified in this study include depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies. The study highlighted that cyberbullying and harmful content, which exacerbate feelings of isolation and vulnerability, are linked to long-term use of social media platforms.

Just like young children, adults are also susceptible to excessive social media use. High levels of stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction with life are some of the common problems among adults who regularly use social media. This shared experience across all age groups raises a critical question: what is the best way to address these issues?

When trying to solve the problem of social media use, it is important to recognize the positive aspects. A major reason for using social media is that children, like adults, often seek out online spaces for connection and self-expression. Studies such as “The Fake One is the Real One: Finstas, Authenticity, and Context Collapse in Teen Friend Groups” by Christopher R Darr and Erin F Doss highlight that while entertainment is a part of social media use, it provides a space for authentic self-presentation among close friends. Their use of “finstas” (fake Instagram accounts) shows how teens often seek refuge from the pressures of highly curated public profiles, opting instead for smaller, more intimate groups where they can be themselves.

Some might argue that banning social media is a solution to this problem, but then children would resort to creating fake accounts to circumvent age restrictions. Furthermore, using fake accounts would encourage children to use these platforms in secret, further limiting parental supervision and increasing the likelihood of unsafe online behavior. Pew Research found that 59 percent of children ages 13 to 17 admitted to creating fake accounts to circumvent age restrictions. This points to a deeper problem: Without addressing the social and psychological factors that drive children to social media, legal bans are likely to fall short.

In a developing country like Bangladesh, where enforcement is weak due to limited resources, regulating fake accounts would be a challenge. Instead of imposing a ban, promoting digital literacy and providing mental health support would be a more effective approach. Digital literacy is crucial because it teaches children how to use social media responsibly by setting boundaries, identifying harmful content, and limiting screen time. Over time, children with digital literacy are less likely to experience the negative mental health effects associated with social media. Programs like Common-Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship Initiative provide children with the tools they need to navigate social media safely, without resorting to harmful comparisons or unhealthy consumption patterns.

In terms of mental health issues, it’s important to create spaces where children can talk about their online experiences, which can promote healthier social media habits. This is important because teens often seek out platforms where they can be vulnerable with their peers, leaving them susceptible to the unrealistic content that dominates much of social media. That said, open dialogue between children and their parents, caregivers, and teachers is crucial to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and giving young people the support they need to engage with social media in healthy ways. Encouraging children to participate in activities like planning trips or other real-life experiences can also help.

Deborrah Childs, CEO of mental health education provider Helping Minds, says it’s important for kids to navigate the online world safely. They need to understand how to avoid the pressures of comparison and perfection. Childs believes that by creating environments where kids feel safe to be themselves, both online and offline, it’s possible to mitigate the mental health risks associated with social media and encourage healthier, more responsible engagement. Finally, the innovative potential for using technology for the greater good, so that it enhances our lives rather than detracts from them, is an important consideration.

Mohammed Zulfikar Ali is a lecturer at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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