Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms among teenagers. Its unique features, such as disappearing messages, creative filters, and Stories, have captivated young users, making it a dominant force in teen social media usage. However, with its rise in popularity, there are also significant concerns about the potential dangers associated with its use.

One of the most impactful influences on a child, especially when it comes to body image and self-esteem, is the parent of the same sex. For daughters, this means that a mother’s relationship with her own body, food, and health often serves as the most significant model for how a young girl will approach these same issues.

Protective factors are the conditions and experiences that help teens develop resilience and stay emotionally grounded even when faced with challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), protective factors include things like positive social connections, community engagement, effective coping skills, and strong family support​(CDC). Teens who experience these protective elements are less likely to engage in suicidal ideation or attempts, while those who feel isolated or disconnected are at a higher risk​ (AAP Publications).

Recent studies confirm what I see in my practice. For instance, a 2023 study published in The Journal of Adolescence found that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even more alarming, these teens are at a significantly higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts. Another study from JAMA Network Open in 2022 showed that adolescents who are heavy social media users report feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness at much higher rates . The connection between social media and mental health is undeniable, and as parents, we need to be aware of it.

The statistics are gut-wrenching. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is now the second leading cause of death among kids and teens aged 10 to 24 in the United States. In the last decade alone, the suicide rate in this age group has surged by nearly 60%. Even more heartbreaking, the rate of suicide among children as young as 10 to 14 has almost tripled over the past ten years.

Discussing personal problems with your teenager might seem like a way to build trust, but it can lead to various negative consequences, including enmeshment.

The minute I turned sixteen I was downtown getting my license. I couldn’t wait to get freedom from my parents. Teens today seem to be more ambivalent about getting their driver’s licenses. In fact, many of the clients I see who are seventeen and older do not have their license, and do not seem to be in a hurry to get one. The reasons are different depending on the teen, of course. I do have to wonder if there is a correlation between social media/smart phone usage and the ambivalence to driving