The Positive Impact of Social Media on Teens: The Top 3 Benefits

Technology has revolutionized the way teens navigate their world, leading to increased screen time and Internet usage. While this may raise concerns for some parents, the reality is that when used responsibly, social media can bring significant benefits to a teen's life. 

From fostering new friendships to providing a creative outlet, social media has the power to positively shape a teen's experience. 

It's essential to strike a balance between digital engagement and real-life connections, but with careful guidance, social media can be a valuable tool in your teen's growth and development. 

Let’s take a closer look at the top three ways social media can positively impact your teen.

Building, Strengthening, and Deepening Friendships

For many teens, making new friends can be challenging, especially after a year of social distancing and remote learning. Social media provides a platform for them to easily connect with peers from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go. 

With platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, teens can share their lives and interests with others, creating a sense of closeness and relatability. 

In fact, 62% of teens are quick to share their social media usernames when meeting someone new, according to the Pew Research Center.

An Online Support System

For teens who feel left out or misunderstood, social media can provide a sense of acceptance and belonging. This is especially important for LGBTQ+ youths who want to connect with their community but struggle to do so in person. 

The anonymity offered by online spaces can be helpful for teens who are not yet ready to come out to friends or family. Social media gives them access to online support and interest groups where they can find like-minded individuals and bond over common interests.

A Creative Outlet

Teenage years are a time for discovery and exploring your passions and talents. Social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow teens to express themselves creatively, whether through vision boards, collages, vlogs, dance, and lip sync videos. 

They can choose to keep their creations private or share them with a selected audience. This provides a chance for teens to explore their creative side and take a break from reality.

BONUS: Online Safety Tips for Parents

To help promote online safety for your teen, consider the following tips:

• Have open conversations about the social media apps your teen uses.
• Ask about the people they chat with online and show an interest in their social lives.
• Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if they come across concerning or harmful content.
• Familiarize yourself with the reporting procedures for cyberbullying, hate speech, and other forms of online abuse for each app your teen uses.