Social media is everywhere — it connects us with friends, family, celebrations, and even community happenings or current events. While scrolling and posting can be fun and helpful, it can also affect how we feel — especially for kids, teens, and even adults who spend a lot of time online. That’s why it can be important to step back and think about how social media fits into daily life or how we can use it in healthy, balanced ways.
Social media isn’t “all good” or “all bad” — it can be a tool for connection and support, but it can also create pressure, comparison, or overwhelm if it’s not used thoughtfully. Striking a healthy balance can make a big difference when it comes to emotional well-being.
These tips for using a balanced and healthy approach to social media usage is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Keep in Mind: Social Media Can Both Help and Hinder Well-Being
Social platforms make it easy to stay connected, find community, and share life’s moments. But too much time online or unfiltered use can lead to stress, comparisons, or anxiety — especially for our teenagers and young adults as they navigate friendships and identity. Being aware of both the positives and negatives is the first step toward better mental health online.
Tips for Healthy Social Media Use
1.Set Boundaries
Encourage regular check-ins about screen time and how much social media everyone is using. Consider family tech breaks during meals or before bed to help everyone stay grounded in the “real world.”
2.Focus on Meaningful Connections
Rather than mindless scrolling, help kids (and yourself!) follow accounts that uplift, educate, or inspire, and mute or unfollow accounts that bring feelings of anxiety, pressure, or inadequacy. Curating a positive feed can make social media feel more supportive, less stressful.
3.Balance Online with Offline
Encourage activities like going for a walk, playing a game, doing arts and crafts, or reading together. When we prioritize time away from the screen, it’s easier to feel refreshed and connected in real life.
4.Remember Social Media is Heavily Edited
It’s always good to remember that what is posted on social media is an edited snap shot of the whole story. But the good news is- we get to decide what content to engage in and how much of our own information needs to be shared.
This is important to keep in mind for ourselves and equally as important to speak to our teens about. Open conversations make a difference. Ask your children how they feel after using social media. Are they happy? Anxious? Inspired? By talking about it, you help them recognize patterns and make healthier choices.
If It Feels Like Too Much — There’s Support
Social media doesn’t just influence emotions — for some, it can contribute to stress, anxiety, loneliness, or depression. If you or someone in your family feels overwhelmed by how social media is affecting mental health — whether it’s anxiety, sadness, or just feeling stuck in negative patterns — it’s okay to seek support.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, free of charge, for anyone experiencing high stress, loneliness, anxiety, grief, or overwhelming emotions — not just crisis moments. Simply call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to talk confidentially with a trained counselor any time. You don’t have to go it alone.
Social media is part of modern life — but it can’t replace real connection, rest, and self-care. With intention, open conversations, and healthy boundaries, everyone can enjoy the benefits of online connection while protecting their mental well-being. Let’s aim to use social media in ways that support confidence, connection, and a balanced life, and help our teens do the same.
Citations: publichealthcollaborative.org