Is Social Media Helping or Hurting Teenagers?

Today, many teenagers use social media every day — from chatting with friends to sharing photos and videos. But experts are asking an important question: Is it helping or hurting?

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Social media can be fun and useful. It helps young people:

• Stay in touch with friends

• Learn new things

• Share their talents

But too much of it can lead to problems like:

• Feeling lonely or anxious

• Comparing yourself to others

• Getting addicted to scrolling

• Sleeping less

Some teens may even face cyberbullying, which is when someone is mean online. This can hurt feelings and lower self-confidence.

Experts say it’s okay to use social media — but it’s important to use it wisely. That means:

• Taking breaks from screens

• Talking to parents or teachers if something feels wrong

• Spending time offline with family and friends

Social media is like a tool — it depends on how you use it. Let’s use it to spread kindness, learn, and stay safe!