Social Media Takes a Toll on Teens’ Mental Health
January 21, 2026
In a recent survey, nearly half of teens ages 13–17 said social media has a “mostly negative” effect on people their age, though fewer believe that it affects them personally. Girls, however, are more likely than boys to say that social media harms their mental health (25% vs. 14%) and confidence (20% vs. 10%).
Many parents and teens said they are at least somewhat concerned about youth mental health these days (89% and 77%, respectively), but teens point to a slightly different set of negative influences.
Percentage of parents and teens who think one of the following factors is the biggest threat to teens’ mental health
Parents:
44% Social media
14% Technology generally, other
9% Bullying
8% Pressures and expectations
5% The state of society
Teens:
22% Social media
17% Bullying
16% Pressures and expectations
8% Technology generally, other
5% School
Source: Pew Research Center, 2025
Disclaimers:
Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2025 Broadridge Financial Services, Inc
Providence Wealth Advisors, LLC (“PWA”) is a wholly owned affiliate of Providence Bank & Trust (“PB&T”). The investment products and services offered by PWA are independent of the products and services offered by PB&T and are not FDIC insured, may lose value, are not bank guaranteed and are not insured by any federal or state government agency. Investment products and services are offered by appropriately licensed investment advisor representatives, subject to the general oversight and authority of PWA.
To the extent that any client or prospective client utilizes any economic calculator or similar interactive device contained within or linked to the firm website, the client and/or prospective client acknowledges and understands that the information resulting from the use of any such calculator/device is not, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever, as the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized individual advice from the firm or from any other investment professional.
Valuing Your Trust
If you’re not already a valued client of Providence Wealth Advisors, we encourage you to learn more. To schedule a no cost, no obligation conversation, contact us to learn more at your convenience.