A recent survey by Pew Research Center sheds new light on how teenagers, social media, and mental health intersect. The findings reveal concern, caution, and growing skepticism among youth and their parents—a dynamic Thai families can relate to as digital life expands in Thailand.
The study was conducted in the United States between September and October 2024, surveying 1,391 teenagers aged 13-17 and their parents. It shows rising worries about teen mental health, with both parents and teens linking these concerns to social media use on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. For a Thai audience, the report resonates with rising online engagement among Thai youths and ongoing debates about digital well-being in the country.
Worldwide, experts note that digital technology shapes adolescence. Thai educators and psychiatrists have long warned about stress, anxiety, and depression among teenagers, often tied to screen time and online pressures. While the COVID-19 era intensified these concerns, the Pew findings emphasize that social media remains a central point of both risk and opportunity.
Key findings reveal nuanced attitudes. A majority of parents (55%) report being extremely or very concerned about teen mental health, whereas only 35% of teens share that level of concern. Girls report higher anxiety than boys—42% of girls versus 28% of boys. Among parents, mothers and those with daughters express more worry than fathers and those with sons.
Racial and ethnic patterns also emerge. Black parents and teens show the highest levels of concern, with 70% of Black parents and half of Black teens reporting high levels of worry, markedly higher than White or Hispanic peers. In Thailand, researchers note similar disparities in access to mental health support between urban and rural communities, underscoring the need for inclusive services nationwide.
When asked about the main threats to well-being, parents blame social media most strongly (44%), followed by technology in general and bullying. Teens, meanwhile, cite a broader mix: 22% point to social media, with notable shares naming bullying (17%) and societal pressures (16%). These patterns align with Thai observations about cyberbullying and academic pressure, which public health data in Thailand highlights as ongoing concerns.
Communication about mental health also varies. Eight in ten parents feel comfortable discussing mental health with their teen, but only about half of teens feel the same. Boys are less comfortable than girls, and teens place less trust in teachers than in friends or counselors. Only 12% of teens report being comfortable confiding in a teacher. This mirrors Thailand’s school culture, where hierarchical structures can hinder open conversations about emotional struggles.
Social media as a mental health resource presents a double-edged picture. About one-third of teens sometimes seek mental health information there, with girls more likely than boys to do so and Black teens showing the highest engagement. Among those who use platforms for this purpose, a majority view social media as an important resource.
Yet skepticism about social media’s overall impact grows. Nearly half (48%) believe these sites harm peers more than they help, up from 32% in 2022. Still, only 14% feel the platforms harm their own lives, with 58% seeing a neutral effect. About one-fifth report a negative impact on mental health, but most experiences are neutral or mixed.
The effects vary by life domain. Teens report more issues with sleep (45%) and productivity (40%) than with mental health (19%) or grades (22%). Most describe the overall influence as neutral. Positive effects are strongest in friendships; 30% say social media helps forge or maintain connections, more than the small share who feel it harms relationships.
Emotional experiences also differ by group. A large majority feel connected to friends’ lives (74%) and view platforms as a space for creative expression (63%). However, many also feel overwhelmed by online drama (39%), and teenage girls often feel greater social pressure to post popular content or to avoid exclusion.
Racial and ethnic differences persist. Black teens, in particular, report greater access to support, acceptance, and creative outlets online than their White or Hispanic peers. This nuance highlights the importance of addressing digital divides in Thailand, where urban-rural gaps in internet access shape youth experiences.
A trend toward “screen-time overload” is evident. In 2024, 45% of teenagers in the United States say they use social media too much, up from 27% in 2023. About 44% have reduced their use of social media and smartphones, signaling growing awareness of balance. Thai youths express similar intentions, though real reductions are complicated by school and family expectations for constant connectivity.
Experts emphasize that the mixed feelings reflect adolescence in a digital world. The National Institute of Mental Health in the United States stresses open dialogue, peer support, and credible information. Thai child psychologists echo this message, cautioning against demonizing platforms and urging healthy digital habits. In Thailand, experts note the need for safe, respectful online spaces and supportive communities in schools and communities.
Parents and policymakers can take lessons from these findings. Instead of strict bans, fostering open conversations, trust, and media literacy helps teens navigate online life responsibly. Thailand’s education system can incorporate digital literacy and resilience training, along with accessible, culturally relevant mental health resources.
For families, the takeaway is clear: maintain ongoing, nonjudgmental conversations about online life. Encourage balanced screen time, model healthy habits, and broaden teens’ networks beyond online communities. For schools, prioritize confidential mental health services, teacher training on adolescent well-being, and inclusive digital literacy programs to meet teens where they are.
In short, social media is neither inherently good nor bad. Its impact depends on how it is used. Thai families should nurture empathy, dialogue, and digital skills to help youths thrive in a connected era.
Data interpretation notes: The report references research from Pew Research Center and draws comparisons to Thai public health data and local studies on social media use, cyberbullying, and youth well-being. While the specifics reflect the U.S. sample, the themes resonate with Thailand’s own digital culture and educational context.