Frequent use of social networks can affect the mental and emotional health of adolescents

Today, technology is part of most families and it is not uncommon for many teenagers to have a mobile or an electronic device to keep up and stay in touch with their family and friends. But in addition to this, they use it to connect to social networks, something that without responsible and correct use, could bring them problems.

For example, according to a recent study, Frequent use of social networks could affect adolescent mental health, since it negatively impacts certain habits and exposes them to content that can harm them.

Published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, the study in which about 10,000 adolescents between 13 and 16 years old in England were analyzed over three years, found that Frequent use of social networks can compromise adolescent mental health.

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The reason for this is because by using them frequently Increase your exposure to bullying and reduce important activities for your physical development, such as sleep and exercise, which eventually also affect your mental and emotional health.

That is, the study found that social networks alone do not cause harm, but that resorting to them frequently interrupts the performance of other activities that are beneficial for mental health, such as adequate rest and frequent physical activity.

In addition, by spending more time reviewing social networks, it also increases the risk of teenage girls being exposed to content and actions that may be negative for them, such as suffering from cyberbullying or viral challenges.

And how much is considered "frequent" regarding the use of social networks? The study defines it as the use of social networks, instant messaging and photo sharing services such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and WhatsApp more than three times a day.

The study also found that the more the teenagers checked their social networks, they showed higher levels of negative stress or psychological distress, and that those girls who used them the most they reported less happiness and satisfaction in their lives and higher levels of anxiety.

The researchers suggest that joint efforts should be made to reduce the exposure of young people to content that can be harmful, as well as promote a good rest and motivate them to perform physical activities, instead of spending their time checking the mobile.

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Recall that some time ago we shared an investigation in which it was found that half of the mental disorders begin before the age of 14, so Adolescence is a crucial stage to start talking about mental health with our children.

Promoting sports activities and a good rest, which are essential for good mental health, as well as educating our children in the responsible and measured use of social networks, are three key pieces to help prevent teenagers from having mental or emotional problems during this important stage of its development.

Video: How Online Bullying Could Affect Mental Health (March 2024).