For Youth and Teens
Digital Media – Questions and Answers

People use digital media to connect with friends, stay informed, and entertain themselves. It feels good because it offers instant feedback, social validation, and a sense of belonging. 

Excessive use of digital media can lead to various problems such as depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and issues with attention and focus. ^{83 86}

If your family is worried, it might mean they’re seeing signs of overuse or negative impacts on your life. It’s important to have an open conversation about balance and finding healthy ways to use digital media.

If your friends are always online, you might feel pressure to be online too. It’s important to set your own boundaries and make sure you have time for offline activities and face-to-face interactions.

You can’t control your friends’ actions, but you can suggest fun offline activities and lead by example. Encourage them to join you in doing things that don’t involve screens.

Talk to your friend about your concerns in a kind and supportive way. Suggest taking breaks from screens and doing activities together that don’t involve digital media.

If digital media is making you stressed, try setting limits on your screen time. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, like reading, exercising, or spending time with friends and family.

If you feel like you’re using digital media too much, talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or school counselor. They can help you find ways to balance your screen time and explore other interests.

Social media is a broad term that includes platforms and apps that allow users to engage with each other socially.  Some examples of social media platforms and apps are as follows:

• Facebook
• TikTok
• YouTube
• WhatsApp

Social media can help you stay connected with friends, find support from like-minded communities, and express your creativity. ^{91 90}

Social media often showcases unrealistic body images, leading to poor self-esteem and dissatisfaction with your own body. This can contribute to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. ⁹⁴

Yes, predators can use social media to exploit young people by pretending to be someone they’re not. It’s important to be cautious and only interact with people you know in real life. 95 ⁹⁶

Protect yourself by setting your social media profiles to private, not sharing personal information, and being wary of friend requests from people you don’t know. Report any suspicious behaviour to a trusted adult.

Many teens feel ‘hooked’ on social media because it provides instant gratification and a sense of connection. This can lead to spending excessive amounts of time online. ^{98 99}

Social media platforms use algorithms to keep users engaged by showing content that appeals to them. The instant feedback from likes and comments can also make it hard to stop using these platforms. ^101 102

Set limits on your screen time, especially for non-educational use. Use apps that track your usage, and make sure to have screen-free times during the day. Engage in offline activities and spend time with friends and family.

Encourage them to take breaks from social media and join you in offline activities. Support them by listening to their concerns and helping them find a healthy balance.