Dean of School – Paul Hughes

Today we continue on from our last newsletter that explored the topic of resilience and its importance for adolescents.

It is indeed true that Social Media can both positively and negatively impact resilience in young people, depending on various factors like usage patterns, content, and individual differences. Specifically, this article will explore how it might diminish resilience and provide some ways it can be used to potentially support it:

1. Increased Exposure to Negative Content: Frequent exposure to distressing or negative content, such as cyberbullying or sensationalised news, can impact mental health and reduce resilience by increasing stress and anxiety.
2. Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues: Social media often presents idealised or curated versions of reality, leading to comparisons that can undermine self-esteem and self-worth. This can make it harder for young people to deal with real-life challenges and setbacks.
3. Disruption of Sleep Patterns: Excessive use of social media, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns. Poor sleep can negatively affect mood, cognitive functioning, and overall resilience.
4. Decreased Face-to-Face Interaction: Heavy social media use might reduce opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing interpersonal skills and emotional support networks.
5. Addictive Behaviours: Social media platforms are designed to be engaging, which can lead to compulsive use. This can interfere with real-world responsibilities and coping strategies, reducing overall resilience.

1. Access to Support Networks: Social media can provide access to supportive communities, peer groups, and mental health resources. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can enhance resilience by offering emotional support and practical advice.
2. Educational Content: Many platforms offer valuable educational resources, including information on coping strategies, mental health awareness, and personal development. These resources can empower young people to build resilience.
3. Self-Expression and Identity Development: Social media can serve as a platform for self-expression and identity exploration. This can be beneficial for resilience if it allows young people to express themselves authentically and connect with like-minded individuals.

Positive Role Models and Inspiration: Exposure to positive role models and inspiring stories on social media can motivate and encourage young people to develop resilience. Seeing others overcome challenges can provide a sense of hope and possibility.

Balancing Social Media Use:

To offset the potential negative effects of social media on resilience, consider the following strategies:

• Set Healthy Boundaries: Encourage balanced social media use, including setting limits on screen time and promoting offline activities and face-to-face interactions.
• Promote Critical Thinking: Help young people develop skills to critically evaluate online content and manage comparisons, focusing on their own growth and well-being rather than external validation.
• Encourage Positive Engagement: Support involvement in positive, constructive online communities and discourage engagement in harmful or toxic spaces.
• Provide Education and Support: Educate young people about the potential impacts of social media on mental health and resilience, and offer resources and strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.

Social Media may well now be a right of passage in an adolescent’s life. That said, It is commonly used to communicate and connect with others creating an element of belonging which is critical to a young person’s development. By being mindful of the possible pitfalls, adolescents can use social media as a tool to support rather than diminish resilience and connection in young people. Families need to play a critical role in this.