Safety regulations on social media for youth have received increased attention.

Social media use can impact youth mental health in both positive and negative ways.

Maintaining balance between real-life activities and social media can support youth mental health.

Co-authored by Bonnie Yam, MD, and Eunice Y. Yuen, MD, Ph.D.

Concerns about the impact of social media on adolescent mental health have increased globally. In December 2025, Australia banned social media use for children under 16. Other countries, such as Brazil, France, China, and Malaysia, have passed laws on age restrictions on social media use. Key concerns include the potential compulsive nature of its use, associations with depression and anxiety, and risks of sexual exploitation.

In contrast, the United States currently has no national age restriction for social media use. Opponents of restrictions argue that such laws may limit free expression or push adolescents into less-regulated, more dangerous parts of the internet. However, in a recent landmark case, Meta and YouTube were found negligent in a lawsuit involving social media addiction. The plaintiff, a young woman who used social media for many years, alleged that these companies designed products to be as addictive as cigarettes or casinos, and that their platform led to the development of depression and anxiety. Meta, in contrast, argued that her mental health difficulties were attributed to her home environment and other offline stressors.

Internet use has become an integral part of everyday life, and it is likely to become increasingly incorporated into our lives over time. On average, youth ages 8-18 spend 7.5 hours a day using screens. A 2023 survey found that 57 percent of Gen Zs hope to become social media influencers when they grow up. Although the recent Meta/YouTube lawsuit in the news may spark fear of........

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