In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of teenagers’ lives. While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for connection and learning, excessive use can cast a shadow over young people’s psychological and emotional wellbeing.

By Ms Tanya Pillay, CGH

Recent findings from the National Youth Mental Health Study (NYMHS), conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Ministry of Health (MOH) in September 2024, showed that almost 1 in 3 (30.6 per cent) young people aged between 15 and 35 years in Singapore reported experiencing severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress. The nationwide study also established that the prevalence of these symptoms is associated with factors including cyberbullying, body shape concerns and excessive social media use.

“Social media and online environments can have both positive and negative effects on young people,” explains Dr Sanjiv Nair, Consultant, Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital (CGH). “While these platforms help teenagers and youths maintain friendships and establish a sense of belonging in the community, constant exposure to curated images and posts can lead to low self-esteem and self-doubt, increasing the risk of mood and anxiety disorders.”

The dark side of the screen

One particularly concerning aspect is cyberbullying, which can occur at any time, and can reach a wider audience online than traditional forms of bullying. “Unlike previously understood modes of bullying, cyberbullying — due to social media’s wide audience reach — can be particularly damaging, leading to increased stress, anxiety and depression in teenagers and youths,” Dr Nair shares.

Another significant concern is sleep disruption. Many teenagers find themselves scrolling through social media late into the night. The blue light emitted from mobile devices can interfere with melatonin production, disrupting natural sleep patterns and leading to poor sleep hygiene.

Mindful strategies

Following the NYMHS findings, MOH issued additional guidelines in January 2025 on screen use for children (those aged 12 years and under) that focus on keeping screen use for schoolwork, avoiding screen time during meals and before bedtime, avoiding giving children access to social media, as well as using parental control settings to monitor and ensure that children access age-appropriate content and applications. For young people above the age of 12, the ministry also plans to release a Positive Use Guide on Technology and Social Media in 2025. These initiatives, coupled with increased awareness and proactive measures, can help ensure that children and teenagers reap the benefits of social media while minimising its potential harmful effects.

At CGH, the Department of Psychological Medicine’s Youth Outreach Programme (YoOP!) advocates for the importance of a proactive approach in preventing psychological health issues among young people. Through this programme, our clinical psychologists reach out and provide talks to students and teachers on how to tackle various mental health issues — including ones related to social media use.

For instance, parents and teachers can play crucial roles in helping teenagers develop healthy relationships with social media. Setting appropriate boundaries is an essential first step — this means establishing clear time limits for social media usage while creating device-free zones, particularly during mealtimes and social gatherings.

An all-round approach

In addition to setting guidelines on social media use among teens, parents and other adults should also support them in other areas, such as by encouraging regular physical activity, promoting nutritious eating habits, and fostering the development of positive social networks both virtually and in-person. These online and offline boundaries help encourage meaningful face-to-face interactions and physical activities that are vital for teenagers’ overall wellbeing.

Digital literacy is another key area where adults can guide young people. By helping teenagers understand how social media algorithms work and teaching them to identify misinformation, parents and teachers can empower youths to become more discerning users of digital platforms. It is also important to discuss the implications of sharing personal information online and the potential long-term consequences of digital footprints.

In addition, Dr Nair encourages open communication between teenagers and adults, as this forms the foundation of supporting young people through their digital journey. “Adults need to be good role models, demonstrate healthy boundaries and positive digital citizenship in their own lives, and should strive to create safe spaces where young people feel comfortable expressing their feelings, fears and uncertainties about their online experiences,” says Dr Nair. “Rather than dismissing teenagers’ concerns, it is crucial that adults respond with empathy and offer comfort when needed. More importantly, when adults notice their behavioural changes, and decline in physical and mental health, professional help should be considered,” he adds.