News
November 19, 2025
What teenagers want adults to know about their digital lives
Teenagers globally view social media's impact on mental health as complex, encompassing both positive connection and negative experiences like bullying and social comparison. They desire more adult understanding, guidance, and collaboration in creating safer online spaces.
**Teenagers Globally Crave Adult Understanding of Their Complex Digital Worlds**
A new global perspective reveals that teenagers have a lot to say about their digital lives, particularly concerning social media. Far from being simply addicted to their phones, teenagers perceive the impact of social media on their mental health as a multifaceted issue, encompassing both connection and challenges. They're not just looking for restrictions, but for understanding, guidance, and collaboration from adults to navigate the online world more safely.
While social media offers teenagers unprecedented opportunities for connection, fostering communities around shared interests and allowing them to maintain relationships across distances, it's not all positive. The study highlights the significant challenges they face, including online bullying, the pressure of social comparison, and the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO). These negative experiences can significantly impact their self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
Teenagers feel adults often misunderstand the nuances of their online interactions. Many believe adults tend to oversimplify the issue, focusing solely on the potential dangers without acknowledging the genuine benefits and connections they derive from social media platforms. This lack of understanding can lead to ineffective or even counterproductive attempts at intervention.
Instead of blanket bans or lectures, teenagers are calling for a more collaborative approach. They want adults to engage in open and honest conversations about the online world, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects. They desire guidance in developing healthy online habits, recognizing and responding to cyberbullying, and navigating the pressures of social comparison.
Ultimately, teenagers are seeking a partnership with adults in creating safer and more supportive online environments. They believe that by working together, they can harness the power of social media for good, fostering connection and community while mitigating the risks to their mental health and wellbeing. This requires adults to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue with the younger generation about their digital experiences. The message is clear: teenagers aren't just living online; they're trying to navigate a complex world and need adult support, not just restrictions, to do it successfully.
A new global perspective reveals that teenagers have a lot to say about their digital lives, particularly concerning social media. Far from being simply addicted to their phones, teenagers perceive the impact of social media on their mental health as a multifaceted issue, encompassing both connection and challenges. They're not just looking for restrictions, but for understanding, guidance, and collaboration from adults to navigate the online world more safely.
While social media offers teenagers unprecedented opportunities for connection, fostering communities around shared interests and allowing them to maintain relationships across distances, it's not all positive. The study highlights the significant challenges they face, including online bullying, the pressure of social comparison, and the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO). These negative experiences can significantly impact their self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
Teenagers feel adults often misunderstand the nuances of their online interactions. Many believe adults tend to oversimplify the issue, focusing solely on the potential dangers without acknowledging the genuine benefits and connections they derive from social media platforms. This lack of understanding can lead to ineffective or even counterproductive attempts at intervention.
Instead of blanket bans or lectures, teenagers are calling for a more collaborative approach. They want adults to engage in open and honest conversations about the online world, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects. They desire guidance in developing healthy online habits, recognizing and responding to cyberbullying, and navigating the pressures of social comparison.
Ultimately, teenagers are seeking a partnership with adults in creating safer and more supportive online environments. They believe that by working together, they can harness the power of social media for good, fostering connection and community while mitigating the risks to their mental health and wellbeing. This requires adults to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue with the younger generation about their digital experiences. The message is clear: teenagers aren't just living online; they're trying to navigate a complex world and need adult support, not just restrictions, to do it successfully.
Category:
Politics