Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Stages

5 symptoms that prove your teen is probably addicted to social media

By

Social media is an almost unavoidable part of daily life for today’s teens, but it can be so pervasive that teens can actually become addicted. While at first, it may not seem as serious as being addicted to a substance like alcohol and drugs, social media addiction can have serious mental health effects with long-term implications in a teen’s life.

Be on the lookout for signs of social media addiction in teens and learn how to help them if you spot them in your own child. There is help available if you see the warning signs at home.

Upset teenage girl on cell phone
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What are the examples of social media addiction?

Like other addictions, if social media is a compulsive habit taking over your teen’s life, it could be an addiction. Here are five potential signs of social media addiction in teens.

  1. If they try to use social media less, but can’t.
  2. If they’re restless, angry, violent, or cranky when they can’t use social media.
  3. If they use social media so much it negatively affects their academic work, social life, or job.
  4. If it seems like they’re constantly thinking about social media, even when they aren’t using it.
  5. If they go right to using social media whenever they’re upset to forget about their problems.
Recommended Videos

Really liking social media is one thing, but not being able to put it down is another. It may seem like most teens are “addicted” because they’re on it so much, but take stock if they are really on it constantly or if they are unable to put it down when asked. Can they safely drive to their destination without having to check their social media? Can they make it through family dinner without having to check it again? Do they lash out when you try to impose any limits? When you go to check on them doing their homework, are they actually on social media again? Does every conversation come back to social media and is every interaction a chance for a selfie to post?

robin gentry/shutterstock

What are the causes of addiction to social media?

Every notification of a new comment, new post, or new like causes dopamine, a sensation of pleasure, to flood the brain. This is addictive and the same hormone that causes some other addictions. Every retweet or other interaction gives this pleasure and leaves the addict craving more.

Cell phone addiction is also linked to social media addiction. If you’re always on your phone, you’re bound to open social media apps while you’re on there, which can lead to becoming addicted to the apps themselves. Video games can also give the same dopamine hit in the brain as social media or cell phone use, so if a teen can’t use video games they may turn to social media to get the same feeling.

The fear of missing out, often nicknamed FOMO, is another common cause of social media addiction. Teens want to know what their friends are doing, what is happening with celebrity news, and what the trending gossip is. It’s part of social currency because being out of the loop isn’t cool.

What can I do about social media addiction?

Social media addiction can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, poor grades, body dysmorphia, and other negative effects. If you think your teen could be addicted to social media, talk to your child’s pediatrician. They can refer you to resources and talk to you about your child’s specific case in context.

Set limits on your teen’s social media use. Just like if they were addicted to another substance, they have to avoid what they are addicted to even though that will be very difficult, especially at first. You can keep their phone and other devices away from them and sign them up for alternate activities to let them not be so bored without it, like sports. They can still have screen time like watching TV, which will also help pass the time. You can give them a fidget toy so their fingers and hands don’t feel so empty without a phone. They may need to go to therapy or even a treatment program.

With your support, your teen can make it through this.

Editors’ Recommendations

Sarah Prager
Sarah Prager
Contributor
Sarah is a writer and mom who lives in Massachusetts. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National…
What is the average screen time for teens? You might be surprised
Know when to worry about your teen's screen time
A group of kids on their phones.

How much time kids spend in front of a screen is always a hot-button topic for parents. Constantly questioning how much is too much, how young is too young for handing over a tablet, and whether there should there be limits on devices are a few worries a parent has to think of. Although parents can monitor screen time more easily when their children are younger, by the time kids become teenagers, parents feel a lot less in control of limits, and the average screen time for teens could become a battle.

So how much is too much screen time for teens? Parents may be surprised to learn just how long the average teen is spending in front of a screen. There are ways to help manage teen screen time without making kids feel like it's a negative thing, especially if you sit them down and explain some of the effects staring at a screen has on their productivity and development. We'll break down the teen screen time battle to arm parents with the knowledge needed to set boundaries at home.

Read more
5 genius house rules for teenagers you’ll wish you’d adopted yesterday
Make life easier with these rules
Teenage girls eating pizza happily together.

Regardless of how much eye-rolling and verbal protest they will be met with, having a set of house rules for teens to abide by is important. Establishing these house rules for teenagers presents a challenge to both parents and teens, but it’s a necessary step toward teaching your kids a vital life skill — which is taking accountability for one’s actions. You’re also keeping your teen grounded in reality by establishing boundaries and communicating the message that every place and every situation has ground rules and that they are accountable for following theirs.

House rules may be a pain for your kids, but implementing them doesn't have to be. We've compiled some great ideas that’ll make the process less painful. Furthermore, if you involve your teen in setting up the rules and consequences, then most likely, you’ll get more buy-in.

Read more
These are the college planning tips parents need to know for their teens
When the time arrives, these tips will come in handy
Excited freshman girl

If you're the parent of a high school student, the college years aren't as far away as you may think. When teens are freshmen, most of the focus is on helping kids adjust to the demands of high school. By the end of sophomore year, it's time to start thinking about college.

While it might seem early, it's actually not. Senior year will be here before you know it. As a parent of a teen, it can be difficult to know when to start prepping for the SATs or when to book those college visits. Planning for college is a stressful process for parents and teens. Having college planning tips helps make the undertaking less daunting, especially if this is your first child in high school. College planning also keeps you and your high schooler on track.

Read more