Social media platforms and smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. While these technologies can offer numerous benefits, unrestricted usage or devices not designed for kid safety can also come with unintended consequences for young people. They can be particularly damaging to adolescents’ mental well-being.
Recent studies have shed light on the relationship between excessive social media use, phone addiction, and mental health problems — including a concerning rise in suicide rates among young people.
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second-leading cause of death in kids ages 10-14.
Underlying mental health conditions can cause teenagers to perceive difficult situations — such as friendship problems, break-ups, academic failure, and trouble at home — as insurmountable.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed tremendous stress upon all populations, but has impacted adolescents in specific ways. Children thrive in conditions that promote routine, and the need for social distancing has interrupted that constancy.
As a result of interruptions in learning, socialization, athletics, worship, and health services, stressors affect social, emotional, mental, and physical health. Since the onset of the pandemic, concerning data suggests that among girls ages 12-17, emergency room visits for attempted suicide have increased by 50%. Young people are suffering and at an increased rate.
The Impact of Tech on Mental Health
Suicidal ideation is the thought or consideration of suicide. Although these thoughts are concerning, the likelihood of actualization is difficult to predict. What can be measured is the impact of unhealthy technology use on these thought patterns.
As explained by Dr. Thomas Joiner, “There is a concerning relationship between excessive screen time and risk for death by suicide, depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts.”
More Screen Time Increases Risk of Suicidality
Screens have become invasive normalities in the lives of teenagers. On average, teens spend up to nine hours a day on screens.
Researchers compared suicidal outcomes (from passive or serious ideation to suicide attempt) by hours spent on screens. Those who spent five hours or more per day on screens were 66% more likely to have at least one suicide-releated outcome.
Seeking Deadly Attention
Online, kids can be exposed to accounts of suicide attempts and completions. They will find that victims are often revered with tributes, and those left behind are racked with guilt.
Although this outpouring of affection and regret is a normal part of grieving, exposure to these stories can lead to suicide glorification. Children may believe that committing suicide will serve as a final statement or a way to make others recognize their pain.
Endorsing Suicide
Websites and social media challenges that promote suicide are ubiquitous on the internet. Some even aid in forming “suicide pacts” or give instructions for ending one’s own life.
Exposure to this type of content can harm the teens through suicide endorsement, making tech regulation fundamental to child safety. It is crucial to consider how addiction to technology can exacerbate suicide and suicidal ideation.
Suicide Prevention: Recognizing the Signs
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the following behaviors reflect suicidal risk. Notice if your child exhibits any of the following:
They Talk About:
- Wanting to die
- Feeling intense guilt or shame
- Being a burden to others
They Describe Feeling:
- Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
- Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
- Unbearable emotion or physical pain
They Change Behavior By:
- Making a plan or researching ways to die
- Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items
- Taking dangerous risks
- Showing extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping more or less
- Using drugs
- Hiding from reality (such as internet binging)
If you see these behaviors or attitudes at any time, contact your family physician immediately or dial 911 if the situation is emergent.
Seeking Professional Help
Navigating access to mental health treatment may seem daunting, especially if you are not already familiar with the process. However, getting your child the help they need will allow for a comprehensive assessment and offer them the tools necessary to cope with their feelings.
Counseling and treatment can help them lessen further thoughts of suicide. Support is readily available. Consult with your child’s pediatrician or school guidance counselor to make these connections.
If your child needs immediate support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This lifeline will connect you with a trained counselor to discuss your child’s symptoms and recommend local resources.
Coping as a Family
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention guides families experiencing challenges to mental health and safety. They stress the importance of taking care of your mental health.
Modeling coping strategies and being transparent about seeking therapy sends a strong message to kids that hope and help are available. When we are vulnerable, children will follow our lead and see there is no shame in facing these troubles.
Creating a Supportive Environment
As suicidal ideation decreases, it’s important to continue therapy as advised, and check in with your child often. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Together, look for ways to live beyond the screen
- Have your child use a safe phone that does not include social media, games, and access to search the internet.
- Provide physical and emotional safety.
- Have fun together.
- Listen and empathize.
- Maintain a safe environment of love and respect.
- Be vulnerable and share your feelings openly
Encourage moderate screen time usage and enforce limits to provide structure and relief. Mental health struggles can carry a negative stigma in society, so normalize it by speaking about it often without shame. Together we can create a safe place where the whole family can thrive and find happiness.
How have you approached mental health challenges in your home? Are you happy with your response, or would you do something differently? Share it with us in the comments below.
Author Melissa Strange
Melissa is a high school English teacher. She is an advocate for parents and their children and joined Gabb as a part-time staff writer because of her passion for child development.
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