Can Social Media Be a Positive Influence on Teens?

Group of teens enjoying the benefits of social media.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram play a large role in the lives of teens. We hear about the risks all the time, such as Internet addiction, cyberbullies, scammers, and predators. But we don’t always hear about the benefits of social media and the many aspects of social media that are positive…

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Ask A Therapist: What Do I Do If My Child Is Getting Bullied Online?

Close up portrait girl student looking at laptop computer screen

As parents and guardians, bullying looks dramatically different for today’s kids compared to what we may have experienced. For starters, bullying isn’t just present in the school or at the local hangouts anymore — it can now follow our kids wherever they go. Furthermore, cyberbullying allows this threat to extend outside of the child’s peer group to complete strangers.   Scott Boice, clinical director…

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5 Solid Steps to Guard Your Teen Against Social Media Addiction and Other Online Threats

Happy teenager using smart phone and smiling on sofa living room at home. Teen holding and using cellphone for searching data and social media on internet.

Parents are concerned about social media addiction and how much time their teens spend on social networking sites. Seeing their kids on their phones or in front of their laptops frequently may lead parents to wonder, “Do we have an internet addiction problem?”  The Negative Effects of Social Media Use   The use of social media and technology keeps us connected to family and friends who…

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Are Celebrities Good Role Models for Teens?

Teen who believes celebrities are good role models waits in line for a concert.

Throughout adolescence, your teenage son or daughter will go through the process of developing their identity, and they may feel they found that in a celebrity, influencer, movie star, rapper, or other notable figure. They may look up to these famous people to help them determine their own values, goals, beliefs, style, and more. As…

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The Ultimate Guide to Social Media’s Effects on Teens

Teenage friends sitting on a pavement holding their mobile phones. Cheerful college boys and girls having fun talking sitting outdoors in a street.

Social media can affect teens in different ways — it can impact them emotionally, socially, physiologically, and psychologically. It can be a powerful tool that helps those who struggle to meet new people form connections or allows curious teens to explore and learn about topics of interest. It can also be a positive outlet for self-expression, creativity, support, community, and media literacy.  But, social media accounts can also negatively influence…

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How Teens Can Gain Confidence in Their Appearance

How Teens Can Gain Confidence in Their Appearance

Last Updated: February 2021 Teenagers today are facing unprecedented social pressures. Social media features a highlight reel of other people’s lives, while photo filters create fake images that no teen can achieve. Living in a constant state of comparison, teens find themselves lacking in nearly every aspect of life, and the result is devastating to…

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When Social Media Attacks

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Look around you. At any given time, someone within 30 feet of you is likely viewing some type of social media. You connect with it, you learn from it, and watch your idols through it. Social media has so many powerful forces for good, and some questionable influences, too. But what happens when you become…

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Being Social Media Vigilant

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After treatment for mental health and/or substance use, you learned a lot about self-care, therapy skills to help you manage your stress and emotions, and about being vigilant in those things to protect you from relapse. You can also protect yourself by being vigilant in your social media use. By keeping yourself safe, monitoring how…

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