Can Social Media Worsen Teen Mental Health? Pierre Fourneret Explains 

What if social media is not the only reason behind a teenager’s distress, but could still make those struggles harder to manage?

That question is at the centre of a growing discussion around social media and teen mental health. French child psychiatrist Pierre Fourneret argues that blaming social media as the sole cause of adolescent distress is too simplistic. At the same time, ignoring its ability to amplify existing vulnerabilities can also be harmful.

In an opinion article published in Le Monde on September 1, 2026, Pierre Fourneret explains that social media can have both positive and negative effects on teenagers. While digital platforms can help young people maintain friendships and find social connection, they can also contribute to problems such as poor sleep, low self-esteem, constant comparison and exposure to harmful content.

Is Social Media Really the Problem?

Teenagers can experience emotional difficulties for many different reasons.

Academic pressure, family problems, loneliness, friendship difficulties, low self-esteem and the challenges of growing up can all affect a young person’s emotional well-being.

Social media can become another factor within this bigger picture.

For one teenager, being online may provide friendship, support and a sense of belonging. For another, it may become a source of comparison, pressure or upsetting experiences.

This is why Fourneret’s argument is not that social media is completely harmful or completely harmless. The more important question is how a particular teenager is using it, what they are experiencing online and what they may already be dealing with offline.

When Scrolling Starts Affecting How a Teen Feels

Not every teenager who spends hours online is experiencing problematic social media use.

What they are doing online can matter just as much as how long they stay online.

A teenager may spend two hours chatting with friends and feel more connected. Another may spend the same amount of time comparing their appearance with others, dealing with cyberbullying or repeatedly seeing content that makes them feel worse.

Parents may want to pay attention if they notice changes such as:

• Poor or irregular sleep

• Constant comparison with others

• Low confidence or self-esteem

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Difficulty concentrating on studies

• Feeling upset after using social media

• Increasing dependence on likes or online approval

• Difficulty controlling social media use

These signs do not automatically mean that social media is causing a mental health problem. However, they can be a reason to understand what the teenager may be experiencing.

If a teenager is already struggling with teen anxiety or persistent stress, changes in online behaviour may also be worth discussing with a trusted adult or professional.

The Surprising Link: Distress Can Also Drive Social Media Use

The relationship may work in both directions.

A teenager who already feels lonely, anxious or low in confidence may turn to social media for distraction, connection or reassurance.

But if their online experience involves constant comparison, bullying or harmful content, those feelings may become stronger.

This can create a difficult cycle:

Emotional distress → more time online → negative online experiences → greater distress

That does not mean every teenager will experience this pattern. It simply shows why social media needs to be considered alongside the other factors affecting a young person’s emotional well-being.

Why Social Media Can Affect Some Teens More Than Others

Adolescence is a major period of emotional and social development. Teenagers are building their identity and becoming more sensitive to peer opinions, making online approval, criticism and comparison feel particularly intense.

For a teenager already dealing with low self-esteem or loneliness, social media may amplify existing vulnerabilities rather than be the only cause of distress.

It is also not just about screen time. Parents should ask what their teenager is doing online. Are they connecting with friends, constantly comparing themselves with others, experiencing bullying or losing sleep because of late-night scrolling?

Looking at these patterns can help parents understand whether social media is simply part of their routine or is affecting their emotional well-being.

 What the Latest Data Says About Teen Social Media Use

International data also highlights growing concerns around problematic social media use.

According to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, 11% of adolescents showed signs of problematic social media use in 2022, up from 7% in 2018. The findings covered almost 280,000 young people across 44 countries and regions.

Problematic use can involve difficulty controlling social media, neglecting other activities or continuing despite negative effects. However, WHO also notes that social media can support friendships and social connections.

These figures therefore highlight problematic use, not proof that social media alone causes mental health problems.

What Parents Can Do Instead of Just Taking the Phone Away

When parents notice changes in their teenager’s behaviour, taking away the phone may seem like the quickest solution.

Reasonable boundaries can certainly be helpful, particularly around late-night use. But removing the phone without understanding what is happening underneath may not address the real problem.

A calm conversation can be a better starting point.

Parents can ask:

• “What do you usually watch online?”

• “Is anything online bothering you?”

• “How do you feel after spending time on social media?”

• “Is anyone troubling you online?”

• “Are you getting enough sleep?”

• “Do you ever feel pressured to look or behave like people you see online?”

The goal is to understand the teenager rather than immediately blame them.

Fourneret’s argument also points toward moving beyond a simple “ban or allow” debate and focusing on parental involvement, education, digital literacy and safer online environments.

Sometimes a Teenager Just Needs Someone to Talk To

Teenagers do not always openly say when they are struggling. Instead, parents may notice changes in their mood, confidence, sleep, concentration, friendships or everyday behaviour. A teenager may not say, “Social media is affecting my mental health,” but may become quieter, withdrawn or unusually upset.

Giving them a safe space to talk can help parents understand what is really happening. A trusted adult, teacher or counsellor can listen without immediately judging or blaming them.

If these emotional difficulties continue or begin affecting a teenager’s sleep, studies, relationships, confidence or everyday life, professional support may be helpful. Teen counselling can provide a supportive space to discuss anxiety, social pressure, low self-esteem and online experiences.

Seeking support does not mean something is wrong with the teenager. Sometimes, having someone to talk to is simply the first step toward feeling understood and managing difficult emotions.

Could Digital Literacy Be Part of the Solution?

Simply telling teenagers to stay away from social media may not be enough. They also need to understand how platforms work, including algorithms, online comparison, edited images and the impact of repeated exposure to certain content.

Fourneret argues that teenagers should learn to navigate digital spaces critically rather than seeing technology as entirely good or bad.

The relationship between social media and teen mental health is complex. While some teenagers find friendship and support online, others may experience comparison, cyberbullying, sleep disruption or harmful content.

Social media is therefore not the whole story, but for some young people, it can amplify existing distress. Open conversations, healthy boundaries and digital awareness can help teenagers manage their online experiences more safely.

The Goal Is to Support Teens, Not Blame Them

The better question is not, “Is social media bad for teenagers?” but “How is it affecting this particular teen?”

If online experiences are affecting their sleep, confidence, relationships or emotional well-being, parents should pay attention rather than simply blame social media. Open conversations, healthy boundaries, digital awareness and access to mental health support can help teenagers manage these challenges.

Ultimately, the goal is to understand what a teenager is going through and give them the support they need not blame them for how they use social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can social media cause mental health problems in teenagers?

Social media should not be considered the sole cause of adolescent mental health problems. However, problematic use and negative online experiences may contribute to or amplify emotional difficulties in some teenagers.

How can social media affect teen mental health?

Depending on the teenager and their online experiences, social media may contribute to social comparison, cyberbullying, sleep disruption, online pressure or exposure to harmful content. It can also provide friendship, connection and support.

When should parents consider counselling for a teenager?

If emotional difficulties persist or begin affecting sleep, studies, relationships, confidence or everyday life, parents can consider speaking with a mental health professional or counsellor.

Is screen time the only thing parents should monitor?

No. The type of content a teenager sees, their online experiences, sleep patterns, emotional response and ability to control social media use can be more informative than screen time alone.