Recent efforts to restrict social media access for teenagers could inadvertently harm the mental health of marginalized youth, according to researchers and experts. As lawmakers push for age restrictions and warning labels on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, concerns are being raised about the potential loss of crucial support systems for young people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Linda Charmaraman, a research scientist at Wellesley Centers for Women, warns that social media bans could disproportionately affect these groups, who often rely on online platforms to combat isolation and affirm their identities. Her research, published in the Handbook of Adolescent Digital Media Use and Mental Health, suggests that for some marginalized youth, social media provides a sense of belonging that may be lacking in their offline lives.
This perspective is echoed by Arianne McCullough, a 17-year-old Black student at Willamette University, where only 2% of students are Black. McCullough uses Instagram to connect with other Black students, creating a supportive network in an environment where she might otherwise feel isolated.
While acknowledging the potential harms of social media, such as body image issues and addictive behaviors, experts emphasize the complex relationship between online platforms and youth mental health. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine caution that age restrictions could have unintended consequences, potentially cutting off young people from vital support systems.
As policymakers grapple with these issues, some states are adopting more nuanced approaches, such as enhancing digital literacy education and improving privacy protections for young users. These efforts aim to address the challenges of social media use while preserving its potential benefits for marginalized youth.
See “Social Media Bans Could Deny Teenagers Mental Health Help” (August 16, 2024)
