As someone with a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s in health administration, I’ve spent years studying how environments and systems impact health, well-being, and safety. One area of growing concern is social media use among children and adolescents. Research since 2016 consistently shows that social media can pose significant risks to kids under 18—risks that parents, educators, and policymakers cannot ignore.

1. Mental Health Risks with Social Media

Multiple studies show a strong link between heavy social media use and depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem in adolescents. Teens are especially vulnerable to negative social comparison and cyberbullying, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation or inadequacy (Boers et al., 2019; Twenge, 2018).

2. Sleep Disruption with Social Media

Social media use before bed has been repeatedly linked to poor sleep quality and delayed sleep onset. Sleep deprivation, in turn, worsens mood, cognitive performance, and decision-making—all critical for healthy development (Levenson et al., 2017).

3. Exposure to Sexual Content and Online Predators

Social platforms can expose children to pornography, sexualized content, and online grooming. Research highlights how anonymity and platform design make children particularly susceptible to predation and exploitation (Chiu et al., 2022). From an anti-human trafficking and safeguarding perspective, limiting access reduces exposure to potential abuse.

4. Privacy and Data Concerns

Children often cannot fully understand how platforms collect and use their personal data. Evidence reviews indicate that data tracking can be misused, increasing risk of targeted content or exploitation (Livingstone et al., 2019).

5. Addiction and Developmental Impact

Social media is designed to maximize engagement, leading to compulsive usage patterns. Studies show that excessive time online can interfere with school, family interactions, and healthy social development (Riehm et al., 2019).

Recommendations

Given these risks, children under 18 should have limited or no social media access. If platforms are allowed, parents should:

• Monitor usage closely and enforce time limits.

• Ensure privacy settings are strict and accounts are age-appropriate.

• Discuss online risks openly, including grooming, bullying, and digital footprints.

  
  

Focusing on offline connections, family time, and creative activities can help children build resilience, social skills, and mental well-being without exposing them to these harms.

Conclusion

From a social work and public health perspective, the evidence is clear: social media is not developmentally appropriate for children under 18 without strict supervision. Protecting mental health, privacy, and safety must be a top priority—especially in an era of digital exploitation and online risks.

References:

• Boers, E., et al. (2019). Association of Screen Time and Depression in Adolescence. JAMA Pediatrics.

• Twenge, J. M. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents. Preventive Medicine Reports.

• Levenson, J. C., et al. (2017). Social Media Use Before Bed and Sleep Disturbance. Sleep Health.

• Chiu, J., et al. (2022). Understanding Online Grooming: Risks for Children on Social Platforms. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.

• Livingstone, S., et al. (2019). Children’s Data and Privacy Online: Evidence Review. London School of Economics & Political Science.

• Riehm, K. E., et al. (2019). Associations Between Time Spent Using Social Media and Internalizing Problems. JAMA Psychiatry.