Rising Rates of Youth Suicidal Thoughts: Is Social Media a Contributing Factor?
Across clinics in the US, social media’s influence is increasingly evident in discussions about youth mental health.
CloseJohn Loeppky is an independent journalist from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, specializing in disability and health topics for diverse media outlets.
Essential Insights
- There is a notable increase in suicidal thoughts among young people.
- The dual impact of social media—both harmful and beneficial—is frequently addressed in mental health settings.
- Caregivers are encouraged to enhance their digital literacy to better support adolescents navigating social media challenges.
Alyza Berman, LCSW, RRT-P, founder and executive director of the Berman Center in Atlanta, highlights that social media frequently emerges as a central topic in her practice serving youth and young adults. She observes that many clients constantly compare their lives to curated online portrayals.
“Whether it’s about looks, careers, finances, or social connections, social media shapes perceptions. Those who endlessly scroll often feel inadequate or unable to measure up.”
Although research directly linking social media usage to youth suicide is relatively recent, a 2021 study from Brigham Young University published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence identified a connection between screen time and increased suicide risk, with cyberbullying highlighted as a significant concern.
Dr. Alyssa Lucker, DO, working with adolescents at the Eating Recovery Center’s Pathlight Program, notes that the pandemic intensified youths’ reliance on social media, complicating its impact on their mental health.
“For many, social media was their primary human interaction for up to eighteen months. Initially, it fostered a sense of connection, but over time, this online engagement has led to detachment from real-world relationships and communities.”
A recent study in The Lancet reported that teen suicide rates rose during the pandemic and have remained above pre-pandemic levels.
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Recognizing Warning Signs
Dr. Don Grant, PhD, a media psychologist and executive director of outpatient services at Newport Healthcare, recalls his awakening to social media’s impact when his daughter experienced bullying on Facebook after receiving her first phone.
“I realized I had given my child a powerful tool I didn’t fully understand. It’s like handing over power tools without proper knowledge. I thought, ‘What have I done?’”
Grant identifies key social media-related risks linked to suicidal ideation: unhealthy comparisons, fear of missing out (FOMO), doom scrolling, cyberbullying, and online reputation damage. His advice to parents is to actively manage device use and foster healthy digital habits.
“Parents should set clear expectations that online behavior should mirror real-life conduct, aligned with family values and beliefs.”
Dr. Don Grant, MD
“I realized I had given my child a powerful tool I didn’t fully understand. It’s like handing over power tools without proper knowledge. I thought, ‘What have I done?’”
Angela Caldwell, LMFT, founder of the Caldwell Family Institute and former head of the Self Injury Institute, urges parents to stay digitally informed as depression and anxiety may escalate into suicidal thoughts.
“Parents must strive to stay one or two steps ahead of their children. Kids are currently outpacing us, and we’re witnessing their mental health deteriorate. Being digitally literate is no longer optional if we want to protect them.”
Caldwell emphasizes treating mental health concerns with the same attentiveness as physical illnesses.
“We don’t panic over a cough or stomachache, but we monitor symptoms closely. Similarly, signs like irritability, low mood, or reluctance to attend school signal depression. Immediate therapy isn’t always necessary, but proactive responses are essential.”
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Strategies to Reduce Harm
Dr. Howard Weeks, MD, chief medical officer and colleague of Dr. Lucker, explains that excessive social media use can resemble addictive behavior, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Both Weeks and Lucker highlight challenges due to unclear diagnostic criteria for internet-related disorders. Over-diagnosing risks expanding medical definitions unnecessarily, while lack of criteria may limit insurance coverage for essential treatments. Defining these conditions could also advance research into underlying mechanisms, including genetics and brain imaging.
“Establishing clear definitions enables rigorous research beyond diagnosis, exploring pathways that may link harmful internet use and offline addictions—whether they are similar or distinct remains unknown.”
Angela Caldwell, LMFT
“Parents must strive to stay one or two steps ahead of their children. Kids are currently outpacing us, and we’re witnessing their mental health deteriorate.”
— Angela Caldwell, LMFTGrant notes a potential benefit of social media called the online disinhibition effect, where users feel safer sharing personal struggles and finding community support.
He observes this effect mainly among individuals exploring support groups for social anxiety and addiction, but cautions that youth participation requires careful monitoring.
“When moderated and guided, the online disinhibition effect can foster positive connections. However, it is often exploited negatively through trolling and cyberbullying.”
Concerns also exist about whether social media disproportionately affects suicidal thoughts in young females. Experts interviewed by Verywell Mind report a roughly equal gender distribution in clinical settings, attributing discrepancies to mental health stigma in males and different depression manifestations.
The consensus is clear: maintaining open conversations with young people about social media is vital. Dr. Weeks emphasizes that moderation and awareness are key pillars of prevention.
“We must avoid demonizing social media. It holds both benefits and risks, requiring individualized approaches. Parents should stay informed about their children’s online activities and foster open dialogue so they can intervene early if issues arise.”
What You Should Know
Youth suicide rates are climbing, with social media playing a significant role. Experts recommend parents and caregivers become digitally savvy to recognize and mitigate associated risks effectively.
Explore More: How Mass Media Influences Mental Health Stigma
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References
Coyne SM, Hurst JL, Dyer WJ, et al. Associations between screen time and suicide risk in emerging adults: A 10-year longitudinal study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 2021;50(12):2324-2338.
Goto R, Okubo Y, Skokauskas N. Trends and factors influencing youth suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific. 2022;27.
By John Loeppky
John Loeppky is an independent journalist based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, covering disability and health topics across various platforms.
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