Before your child logs in: The real risks of social media

Wellbeing & longevity 05-02-2026 | 14:54

Before your child logs in: The real risks of social media

Children’s mental and physical health can suffer when screens replace play and learning. Guiding screen-use helps them thrive in a digital world and mediate risks of addiction.

Annahar

Before your child logs in: The real risks of social media

The impact of social media on children

Countries are moving swiftly to protect their children from social media by banning its use for those under 16, as in Australia, or under 15, as in France. Nations such as Spain and Greece taken similar steps after studies have revealed the harms of early social media use on children. Other countries are considering these measures, citing concerns ranging from mental and physical health to social stagnation.

What are the negative effects of early social media use on children?

According to psychotherapist Riwa Haidar, studies have shown that social media use can negatively affect the mental health and development of children and adolescents, especially when it is excessive and lacks proper parental supervision.

Recent studies show that repetitive social media use may be linked to changes in brain areas responsible for emotions, learning, impulse control, and social behavior, since these areas are still developing during childhood and adolescence.

The psychological and emotional effects social media leaves on children, according to Haidar, include:

- Increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

- Decrease in self-esteem due to constant comparison with peers.

- Disorders related to body image resulting from filters, altered images, and unrealistic standards.

- Difficulty in managing emotions.

- Exposure to dangerous trends.

- Quick temper and mood swings.

- Excessive sensitivity to rewards and punishment in social life due to focus on comments, likes, and views in the digital world.

- Social isolation as children and adolescents spend less time in real interaction, leading to loneliness despite communication through the virtual world.

- Cyberbullying, associated with anxiety and school absenteeism.

- Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.

- Online harassment.

- Sleep deprivation, resulting in mood disturbances, anxiety, and difficulties in concentration and learning. Browsing before sleep increases stress and emotional excitement, making sleep more difficult.

Among the main issues associated with excessive social media use, as noted by Haidar, are problems related to focus, a low attention span, and difficulty performing tasks that require sustained effort.

Its impact is not limited to these areas, but the reality shows many effects on physical health, such as:

- Decline in physical activity.

- Increased risk of overweight and obesity among children.

- Eye strain.

- Headache.

- Problems related to posture and back pain.

What is the appropriate age for a child to use electronic devices?

It is difficult to determine a specific age for using electronic devices. However, according to Haidar:

- Experts agree that it is not advisable to give phones to children below the age of 10 or 11.

- Between the ages of 11 and 13, a child can use a phone to contact parents and send messages to them.

- At ages 14 and 15, social media use should be monitored, with restrictions and boundaries set by parents.

- Most platforms are restricted to users over the age of 13.

- At ages 15 and 16, phone and social media use is considered safer for development, as younger children tend to compare themselves with peers and are more vulnerable.

What measures can parents take to protect their children from social media?

It is important for parents to set limits on children’s use of any screens and social media, including television.

- Focus on balance rather than total prohibition.

- Electronic devices should not affect the child’s sleep, school performance, social relationships, physical activity, or mental health.

- Avoid screens in bedrooms.

- Encourage screen-free times such as during meals, before bed, and family moments.

What alternatives can be offered to children?

- Physical activities and sports such as swimming, cycling, and dancing help improve mood, focus, and prevent weight gain.

- Playing outside.

- Reading.

- Games like Lego, puzzles, and board games.

- Going out with friends and participating in activities together.

- Engaging in activities such as acting and the arts.

Do electronic devices affect intelligence levels?

According to Haidar, electronic devices do not affect intelligence or cognitive levels, but excessive use can impact the ability to concentrate, as well as the growth and functioning of the brain, especially when they replace activities that support healthy development. Studies have shown they affect:

- Focus and executive functions.

- Learning processes.

- Emotion management.

Children’s brain growth occurs through interaction with others, play, and learning, and when screens replace these activities, they have a negative impact.

Screens should not replace reading, social interaction, physical activities, and play that foster creativity. As long as these activities are part of a child’s life, even moderate screen use will not have adverse effects.

Before your child logs in: The real risks of social media

Before your child logs in: The real risks of social media

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