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Writer's pictureSuri Nowosiolski

Unplug to Recharge: Empowering Teens to Take Control of their Mental Health and Technology Use.

As technology continues to advance, it has become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for teens. From social media to video games, teens are constantly surrounded by technology, and it's hard to imagine life without it. However, as we become more dependent on technology, it's important to consider the potential impact it may have on our mental health, particularly on that of teens.




Let's do a deeper dive into the relationship between technology and anxiety in teens and what parents can do to help.


To better understand the how technology impacts teens, it's important to consider the effects of the constant connectivity that technology provides. With the ability to access their phone, texts, WhatsApp messages, social media accounts and the internet at all times, teens are exposed to a constant stream of information and are expected to be available for communication at all times. This constant connectivity can lead to feelings of pressure and anxiety as teens feel the need to respond to messages and notifications immediately. To make matters worse, social media often contributes to feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out), leading to increases in anxiety and stress.


Another concern is the impact of social media on self-esteem and body image. The constant comparison to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which can contribute to anxiety. Additionally, the pressure to present a perfect image on social media can lead to body image issues and anxiety about physical appearance.


Clearly, daytime tech use is problematic. But don't forget, nighttime tech use is no better! The use of technology at night can seriously affect the quality of your teen's sleep which is clearly correlated with negative outcomes on mental health. The blue light emitted by screens has been shown to disrupt the body's natural sleep rhythms, making it more difficult for teens to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and irritability, which can contribute to anxiety.





So, what can parents do to help? First, it's important to set boundaries and establish healthy habits. Parents can set limits on the amount of time teens spend on technology and encourage them to take regular breaks. Additionally, parents can help teens develop healthy sleep habits by setting a "technology curfew" and encouraging them to disconnect from technology before bedtime. Parents may want to consider "parking" all phones in a public area of the house so that phones are nowhere nearby when it's time to go to sleep.


Moreover, parents can also help teens navigate social media and the internet in a healthy way by teaching them how to use it responsibly, to be aware of the potential negative effects, and to be mindful of the information they consume. Encourage them to use social media as a tool for connection and self-expression, rather than a source of comparison and validation.


Bottom line...technology has become an integral part of our lives and can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, particularly anxiety in teens. While it's important to be aware of the potential negative effects, it's also important to remember that technology itself is not the problem, but rather the way it is used. By setting boundaries, establishing healthy habits and guiding our teens on how to use technology responsibly, we can help them navigate the digital world in a way that promotes mental well-being.



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