Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age
Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in mental health issues among children and adolescents, which coincides with the widespread use of social media (SM). While the exact relationship between SM use and psychiatric health remains unclear, growing evidence suggests that excessive screen...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1514806/full |
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| author | Giorgia Di Iorio Dario Esposito Sara Romano Fabiola Panvino Benedetta Altomonte Giulia Conte Maria Pia Casini Arianna Terrinoni Dario Calderoni Romana Andò Walter Quattrociocchi Benedetto Vitiello |
| author_facet | Giorgia Di Iorio Dario Esposito Sara Romano Fabiola Panvino Benedetta Altomonte Giulia Conte Maria Pia Casini Arianna Terrinoni Dario Calderoni Romana Andò Walter Quattrociocchi Benedetto Vitiello |
| author_sort | Giorgia Di Iorio |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in mental health issues among children and adolescents, which coincides with the widespread use of social media (SM). While the exact relationship between SM use and psychiatric health remains unclear, growing evidence suggests that excessive screen time is linked to psychosocial symptoms. This article examines the importance of systematically assessing SM use as part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for young individuals. Key factors to consider include the type, content, and purpose of SM use, as well as daily usage patterns and overall screen time. For instance, nighttime SM use can disrupt sleep and contribute to mental health issues. Additionally, while exposure to inappropriate content on SM may negatively affect mental health, positive online interactions can provide support and educational opportunities. Clinicians should also distinguish between different types of SM users—active creators, interactive participants, and passive consumers—since these engagement levels may influence mental health outcomes. Standardized tools for assessing SM use are recommended, though challenges arise due to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Lastly, fostering open and non-judgmental communication with young patients about their digital habits is essential for understanding the role of SM in their lives and promoting healthier behaviors. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c37e43e8fadf4daf9b63b0e06110f24d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-0640 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj-art-c37e43e8fadf4daf9b63b0e06110f24d2025-08-20T03:53:50ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychiatry1664-06402025-05-011610.3389/fpsyt.2025.15148061514806Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital ageGiorgia Di Iorio0Dario Esposito1Sara Romano2Fabiola Panvino3Benedetta Altomonte4Giulia Conte5Maria Pia Casini6Arianna Terrinoni7Dario Calderoni8Romana Andò9Walter Quattrociocchi10Benedetto Vitiello11Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Communication and Social Research, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalyDepartment of Computer Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, ItalySection of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, ItalySince 2010, there has been a significant increase in mental health issues among children and adolescents, which coincides with the widespread use of social media (SM). While the exact relationship between SM use and psychiatric health remains unclear, growing evidence suggests that excessive screen time is linked to psychosocial symptoms. This article examines the importance of systematically assessing SM use as part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for young individuals. Key factors to consider include the type, content, and purpose of SM use, as well as daily usage patterns and overall screen time. For instance, nighttime SM use can disrupt sleep and contribute to mental health issues. Additionally, while exposure to inappropriate content on SM may negatively affect mental health, positive online interactions can provide support and educational opportunities. Clinicians should also distinguish between different types of SM users—active creators, interactive participants, and passive consumers—since these engagement levels may influence mental health outcomes. Standardized tools for assessing SM use are recommended, though challenges arise due to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Lastly, fostering open and non-judgmental communication with young patients about their digital habits is essential for understanding the role of SM in their lives and promoting healthier behaviors.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1514806/fullsocial mediaadolescentsmental healthscreen timewell-beingdepressive symptoms |
| spellingShingle | Giorgia Di Iorio Dario Esposito Sara Romano Fabiola Panvino Benedetta Altomonte Giulia Conte Maria Pia Casini Arianna Terrinoni Dario Calderoni Romana Andò Walter Quattrociocchi Benedetto Vitiello Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age Frontiers in Psychiatry social media adolescents mental health screen time well-being depressive symptoms |
| title | Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age |
| title_full | Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age |
| title_fullStr | Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age |
| title_full_unstemmed | Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age |
| title_short | Navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age |
| title_sort | navigating child and adolescent mental health in the digital age |
| topic | social media adolescents mental health screen time well-being depressive symptoms |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1514806/full |
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