Social media has become deeply embedded in daily life. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook are no longer just for sharing images or chatting with friends. They now serve as sources of news, entertainment, and personal expression. For many young people, they are hard to step away from.
A 2016 study in the US linked excessive use of social media and video games with mental health issues. Since then, tech platforms have introduced even more addictive features—such as endless scrolling, dopamine-triggering algorithms, and gamified content.
In Hong Kong, the 2022 “Hong Kong Kids Online” report by Save the Children found that 93% of secondary school students had profiles on social or gaming platforms. One in five had been cyberbullied, and 40% had seen unwanted sexual content online.
With the rise of digital tools—smartphones, tablets, smartwatches—experts warn of the risks to children’s emotional and social development. But should social media be banned entirely, or can it be used safely with the right guidance?
The Psychological Impact
Dr. Katrina Rozga, head psychologist at the Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre, says social media presents a real challenge for both teens and their parents.
“Parents struggle with allowing their children to access the same platforms as their peers, while managing their own concerns about what that access means,” she says. “These apps are designed to keep users engaged. The content is tailored, not random. It can lead to echo chambers, wasted time, and in some cases, exposure to harmful material.”
Rozga treats many teens with anxiety, obsessive behaviors, and self-harm issues. She warns that platforms like Discord and TikTok host communities that may promote unhealthy habits, including eating disorders and self-harm. For vulnerable teens, finding a sense of belonging in these spaces can reinforce dangerous behavior.
Jaap Marsman, a safeguarding adviser at the English Schools Foundation (ESF), adds that some influencers misuse mental health language to attract followers and make money. While raising awareness is important, posts like “Five signs you have anxiety” can lead teens to self-diagnose and worry unnecessarily.
Understanding the Teen Perspective
Teenagers often see online and offline friendships as interconnected. “Parents may see them as separate, but teens don’t,” says Rozga.
Simon Misso-Veness, deputy principal at German Swiss International School (GSIS), explains that identity development is key for students aged 14 to 16. “If they act one way online and another in person, it creates confusion. They’re trying to understand who they are.”
Jason Prohaska, who leads educational technologies at ESF, says schools are working hard to prepare students for online life. Key issues include screen time, cyberbullying, and managing digital footprints. Younger students often don’t understand digital privacy, while older ones face pressure from peers and misleading information online.
How Schools Are Responding
Different schools take different approaches. GSIS, for instance, allows students to bring their own devices but bans phone use during school hours to reduce distractions.
Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) encourages parents to follow platform age restrictions and avoid setting up social accounts for children under 13. The school also teaches students how to use technology responsibly. Teacher Veronica Pang says students learn that technology is a tool for creativity, communication, and learning.
At French International School, students revisit lessons on digital safety and emotional regulation throughout their school years. Principal Ross Armitage says the school created “Zen spaces” with soft seating and books to promote screen-free social interactions.
Joe Hastings at Chinese International School (CIS) adds that older students use social media in service campaigns, guided by staff to ensure safe, real-world applications of their digital skills.
As Prohaska points out, the digital world is changing rapidly. AI-generated content, deepfakes, and targeted algorithms require students to be media-literate. Schools now teach students to question what they see online and verify sources of information.
Some countries are taking strict measures. Australia plans to ban social media for users under 16. But Andrew Chiu, a tech coach at VSA, questions whether that will backfire. “If you block access entirely, how will they learn to manage it?”
Educating the Whole Community
Even younger students are now taught how to think critically about online content. Jane Wong at CIS says students as young as Year 5 are learning to spot unrealistic images online. At VSA, Year 1 students are taught about consent in photography—both as the photographer and the subject.
Rozga notes that many teens are becoming aware of the downsides of social media. Terms like “brainrot” and “doom scrolling” show that young people want to take back control of their time.
Schools are bringing parents into the conversation through workshops. John Hendrickse at VSA says the burden shouldn’t fall on teachers alone. “This is a community effort,” he says.
New tools, such as Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature, now offer stricter privacy settings. But Rozga emphasizes that rules and conversations at home are just as important. “Kids respond better when there are clear expectations,” she says.
Chiu adds that taking a phone away may send the wrong message. “It tells them you don’t trust them. What matters more is the relationship you build.”
Marsman agrees. “Being quiet on the couch doesn’t mean they’re safe. Stay curious. Learn how platforms like Discord, Snapchat, and Roblox work—together.”
Wong stresses that trust is key. “If kids are afraid of punishment, they won’t come to you when something goes wrong.”
Despite the risks, experts say social media is just a tool. With the right support—from schools, parents, and peers—teens can learn to use it in healthy and positive ways.
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