Findings from the literature, with a focus on self-harm and suicidality

In today’s digital age, social media is integral to children and young people’s lives. Its significant challenges, however, have been well documented, particularly concerning mental health. From Jonathan Haidt’s damning book, the Anxious Generation, to Swiped, a recent Channel4 documentary showing the impacts of one school that banned smartphones, we are constantly seeing messages about its harms.

Its numerous benefits, however, have not received as much attention.

This blog provides those working with children and young people with a summary of a 2024 literature review that examined how social media affects the mental health of children and young people aged 12 to 18. The review explored both the potential harms and benefits of social media, focusing on its impact on sleep and on young people with experiences of self-harm or suicidality. The current limitations of existing research in this area are also highlighted.

Setting the Scene: Social Media and Mental Health

Social media use among young people has rapidly increased in recent years. Reports indicate that young adults in the UK (aged 18-24) spend an average of 4 hours and 36 minutes online daily (Ofcom, 2023). This widespread adoption of digital technologies has reshaped the way children and young people are growing up and interacting with those around them, leading to concerns about mental health impacts.

The Dual Nature of Social Media

The literature reveals a complex picture of social media’s impact on mental health. On one hand, social media can play a constructive role in young people’s lives, offering social connection, information gathering, and identity development. On the other hand, it can expose them to various risks, including cyberbullying, harmful content, and addiction-like behaviours.

Motivations for Social Media Use

Young people use social media for various reasons, including escapism, social interaction, peer support, information sharing, and appearance feedback. Each of these motivations can have different influences on mental health outcomes. For instance, using social media for social interaction and peer support can enhance wellbeing, while using it for escapism or appearance feedback can lead to negative outcomes.

Frequency of Social Media Use and Mental Health

Research indicates that the frequency of social media use among young people has a complex relationship with mental health outcomes. While some studies suggest that increased screen time has a small to very small effect on depressive symptoms, others highlight that what young people use social media for is more critical than the amount of time spent online. For instance, passive use, such as scrolling through feeds without interaction, is often linked to negative mood, whereas some types of active use, like engaging in conversations, can have more positive effects including on developing a sense of connection, increased compassion, and empathy.

Potential for Good

Despite its controversies, social media offers several constructive benefits that can significantly enhance the mental health and overall wellbeing of young people. Research has shown that social media plays a significant role in fostering social connections, providing information, and supporting identity development, especially for those who may find it difficult to access similar communities offline. For many young individuals, social media serves as a crucial platform for building relationships and accessing support networks that contribute to their sense of belonging and self-worth. Additionally, social media can promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma, offering opportunities for young people to engage in open dialogues about mental health issues and seek help when needed.

Potential for Harm

However, the potential for harm is significant. Young people can encounter harmful content online, such as self-harm and suicide-related content, or experience cyberbullying. These encounters can have detrimental effects on their mental health, particularly for those who are already vulnerable.

Impact on Vulnerable Groups

Evidence suggests that certain groups of young people might be particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of social media. For instance, LGBTQ+ youth, those with existing mental health conditions, and those with prior offline vulnerabilities (e.g. being care experienced or having special educational needs and disabilities) are at greater risk of harm online. These groups may use social media to seek support and connection but are also more likely to encounter harmful content and experiences.

Impact of Social Media on Sleep

The growing use of social media among young people has raised concerns about its impact on sleep. Research indicates that both the timing and duration of social media use significantly affect sleep quality. Night-time use, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to delayed sleep onset, irregular sleep habits, and shorter sleep durations. These disruptions to sleep can subsequently negatively impact mental health, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Gender Differences in Social Media Use and Mental Health

Research indicates that gender plays a significant role in how young people use social media, which can influence the impact on mental health among young people. Some studies have shown that girls are more likely to experience negative effects from social media use such as body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem, although boys are increasingly facing appearance-related pressures. This disparity is often attributed to the different ways boys and girls engage with social media. Girls tend to use social media for communication and social interaction, which can lead to greater social comparison and pressure to conform to idealised images. In contrast, boys are more likely to use social media for gaming and entertainment, which may have different mental health implications such as addictive behaviours.

Risk Factors for Self-Harm and Suicidality Related to Social Media Use

Understanding the risk factors associated with self-harm and suicidality in relation to social media use is crucial for those working with young people if we are to effectively support them. Research has identified several key risk factors that can exacerbate these issues.

• Heavy Use and Problematic Use

While the evidence regarding heavy use of social media as a risk factor is limited, problematic (or addiction-like) use is more clearly associated with self-harm and suicidality. Problematic use, often characterised by an inability to control social media use and preoccupation with online activities, can lead to negative mental health outcomes.

• Cyberbullying and Online Rejection

The research suggests that young people who experience cyberbullying are more likely to engage in self-harm and have suicidal thoughts. The persistent and public nature of cyberbullying compared to ‘traditional bullying’ can exacerbate feelings of isolation and hopelessness, leading to an increased risk of self-harm and suicide.

• Exposure to Self-Harm Content

Exposure to self-harm content online is another critical risk factor. Young people may come across self-harm content through various online platforms, including social media, video-sharing sites, and online forums. This content can include images, videos, and discussions related to self-harm practices. The impact of viewing such content can be both harmful and protective. On the one hand, exposure to self-harm images can reinforce self-harming behaviours, encourage social comparison, and contribute to the development of a self-harm identity. On the other hand, it can also promote recovery, provide social support, and reduce self-harm urges.

Protective Factors for Self-Harm and Suicidality Related to Social Media Use

While these risk factors are concerning, it is important to note that there are also protective factors that can mitigate the impact of social media on self-harm and suicidality. These include social support (including from parents/carers and peers), emotional regulation, and resilience. Encouraging young people to seek support from trusted adults and peers, promoting healthy lifestyles (e.g. sleep, physical activity), and fostering a supportive online environment can help reduce the risk of self-harm and suicidality.

Recommendations for Practitioners

Given the complex relationship between social media use and mental health, it is crucial for practitioners working with young people to adopt a balanced approach. Here are some recommendations:

1. Assess Social Media Use: Regularly discuss young people’s social media use, including their motivations, the platforms they use, and the nature of their interactions online.
2. Identify Risk Factors: Be aware of the risk factors associated with social media use, such as prior offline vulnerabilities, heavy use, problematic use, and exposure to harmful content.
3. Promote Healthy Use: Encourage young people to use social media in a balanced way that promotes positive interactions.
4. Supportive Conversations: Engage in supportive conversations about online experiences, helping young people feel understood and supported and discuss any negative impacts they may be experiencing. Use guidance like Digital Dialogues for having the conversation and the Online Harms resource to know where to signpost to for further support.
5. Parental Involvement: Encourage parental involvement in monitoring and guiding their children’s social media use.
6. Provide Resources: Offer resources and information about safe and supportive online communities where young people can find positive online spaces.
7. Address Sleep Issues: Discuss the impact of social media on sleep and encourage good sleep hygiene practices.
8. Tailored Interventions: Develop tailored interventions that consider the individual characteristics of each young person, including their age, gender, and specific vulnerabilities.

Limitations of the literature

As with everything, this literature review is not without its limitations. Limitations in the literature reviewed include a lack of clear definitions for social media use and mental health and an insufficient consideration of the rapidly changing nature of digital platforms. Many studies relied on cross-sectional designs and self-reported data, often involving limited samples that aren’t representative. Additionally, the literature tends to focus more on the negative impacts of social media while overlooking potential benefits. It is therefore essential to be mindful of these limitations when interpreting the findings of this review.

Conclusion

Overall, social media is a powerful tool that can significantly impact young people’s mental health. It is not a black-and-white picture; the impact is highly individualised. We need to work with the child or young person to understand how they use it and how it’s impacting them. To do this, we should try to have open, honest, and supportive conversations about their social media use regularly. And importantly, those of us working with children and young people need to be aware of the potential risks and where they can go for support when something goes wrong. In doing so, we can help children and young people navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively, so they can make the most of all the many benefits it offers them.

References

[1] Social media_its use and impact on mental health among young people_findings from the literature