According to recent data from the Pew Research Center (2024), an overwhelming 90% of U.S. teens are active on at least one social media platform, and nearly half admit to being « online almost constantly. » While past studies have raised concerns about links between social media and depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption, newer findings from Ferguson et al. (2024) suggest the connection isn’t so straightforward. The relationship between screen use and teen mental health appears to be complex and varies widely between individuals.

Despite the ongoing debate, parents remain deeply concerned. Over half of U.S. parents express serious worries about teen mental health, and 44% attribute these issues to social media use. In contrast, many teens feel social media has positive impacts, such as enhancing social connections and allowing for creative expression.

Given these differing perspectives, how can parents support their children’s digital lives while minimizing potential harm?

Recent research by Nagata et al. (2025) sheds light on the influence of parenting behaviors. The study revealed that when parents frequently use screens, especially during meals or allow screen use in bedrooms, their teens tend to spend more time online and exhibit more problematic social media behaviors.

On the flip side, parental monitoring and clear screen time limits were associated with reduced screen time and healthier digital habits. This highlights the key role parents can play in shaping teens’ online behavior.

So, what practical steps can parents take?

1. Create a Family Media Plan: Establish agreed-upon guidelines for screen-free moments, especially around meals and bedtime. Open conversations about why limits are necessary can improve cooperation.
2. Collaborate with Teens: Instead of imposing rules, involve your teen in setting boundaries. Proactive planning works better than reactive restrictions (Vossen et al., 2024).
3. Avoid Using Screens as Rewards or Punishments: Teens value independence, and excessive control may backfire by making them more resistant to rules.
   
4. Foster Warm, Supportive Relationships: Studies show that positive parenting, marked by warmth, responsiveness, and open communication, may be one of the most effective ways to prevent problematic screen use.
   

While much remains unknown—such as how these parenting practices affect long-term outcomes or how they differ between weekdays and weekends—the current evidence offers useful insights. Importantly, the impact of social media is not universal; it depends on individual context and can change over time.
By focusing on supportive, balanced parenting, families can help teens navigate the digital world in healthier, more mindful ways.