Benefits and Harms of Social Media

Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.

Social media use has exploded over the past several years, even among young children. Given this, it’s important to understand how social media can be both helpful and harmful for your child so that you can make the best decision for your child and family.

Potential benefits of social media participation include:

Positive community, connection, and friendships including increased acceptance, support, and ways to share creative work
Greater sense of connectedness to others, especially to those who share similar interests
Access to positive content, especially for marginalized youth (ex. Ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ youth)

Potential harms of social media participation include:

Increased risk of poor mental health including depression and anxiety.
Increased risk of poor physical health due to decreased exercise, decreased sleep duration and quality.
Increased risk of physical harm due to trying invalidated “health fads” or “dares” that may be medically unsafe or dangerous.
Higher risk of cyberbullying others or being a victim of cyberbullying
Higher risk of disordered body image and disordered eating
Risk of exposure to online predators
Risk of exposure to misinformation including about medical disorders and treatment.

This publication was authored by CPCMG Associate Director of Behavioral Mental Health, Dr. Patty Lee, and Harrison Howard, P.A.

Reviewed by: HH P.A., PL M.D., HB M.D. | 06/2024