As adolescents navigate identity and peer relationships online, Hong Kong educators and mental health experts are sounding the alarm over the growing impact of social media on youth mental health—urging a comprehensive approach that blends digital literacy, school policies, and strong parent-child communication.
Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook have become deeply embedded in daily life for both adults and teens, evolving far beyond communication and photo sharing into primary sources of entertainment, news, and identity construction.
A 2016 U.S. study first highlighted the link between social media and video game addiction with mental health disorders. Since then, tech platforms have only intensified user engagement through dopamine-driven algorithms, gamification, and infinite scroll features.
In Hong Kong, a 2022 report by Save the Children found that 93% of secondary school students have personal accounts on social media or gaming platforms. One in five reported being cyberbullied in the past year, and nearly 40% encountered unwanted sexual content online.
Early Digital Exposure, Rising Risks
With smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets introduced to children at ever-younger ages, psychologists warn that emotional and behavioral development is increasingly at risk.
“Social media is a huge issue. Parents are torn between allowing their children access to what their peers are using and their fear of the platform’s impact,” said Dr. Katrina Rozga, a clinical psychologist and managing director at the Jadis Blurton Family Development Center.
Rozga noted that modern apps are intentionally designed to maximize engagement. “These are highly intelligent systems—not random. Everything you see is curated for you. They create echo chambers and draw you in, often at the cost of sleep, study time, or mental well-being.”
Pathways to Harm and Help
The psychological impact can be subtle but damaging. Rozga treats teens dealing with anxiety, OCD, and self-harm, some of whom find online communities that inadvertently reinforce harmful behaviors. “Finding others with similar issues can create a sense of belonging—but it can also normalize self-destructive habits,” she explained.
Jaap Marsman, child protection advisor at the English Schools Foundation (ESF), voiced concern over influencers using clinical terminology for popularity. “While destigmatizing mental health is important, posts like ‘5 signs you have anxiety’ can fuel unnecessary self-diagnosis and anxiety among teens.”
Yet for teens, social media remains a key tool for socializing. “Parents often see online and offline lives as separate, but to teens, they’re deeply connected,” said Rozga.
Simon Misso-Veness, deputy head of German Swiss International School (GSIS), emphasized that identity formation is central between ages 14 to 16. “Teens ask: Who am I online versus in real life? And how do I reconcile the two?”
Schools Build Digital Resilience
Recognizing students as “digital natives,” Hong Kong schools are increasingly embedding digital resilience and media literacy into their curriculum.
At GSIS, a bring-your-own-device policy coexists with a strict ban on smartphone use during school hours. “We must teach students that there is a time and place for social media. It’s here to stay—but needs to be used wisely,” Misso-Veness said.
Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) encourages parents to abide by age restrictions on social media accounts. “We advise against children under 13 having accounts, but ultimately it’s the family’s decision,” said John Hendrickse, head of primary technology and innovation.
French International School takes a spiral approach—revisiting digital citizenship and safety lessons throughout primary and secondary years. “Post-COVID, we noticed language shifts among students, likely influenced by online content. We’ve introduced sensory regulation zones to foster emotional awareness and wellness,” said head of the international primary section, Ros Armitage.
Rethinking Digital Learning
Many educators emphasize using technology as a tool rather than a distraction. At VSA, autonomy and empowerment are central. “We want students to see how technology, including social media, can boost productivity, community, and communication,” said teacher Veronica Pang.
Andrew Chiu, VSA’s innovation coach, warned against over-regulation. “If Australia were to ban social media for under-16s, that generation could grow up without the skills needed to navigate the digital world.”
At Chinese International School (CIS), students as young as Year 5 begin learning to distinguish real from fake content. “They start recognizing that images making them feel inadequate are often heavily manipulated,” said innovation coach Jane Wong.
VSA even introduces consent concepts through photography in Year 1, cultivating critical thinking from the start.
“Many teens are aware of the negative effects of social media and want better time management strategies,” said Rozga. “The popularity of terms like ‘doomscrolling’ or ‘stan culture’ reflects their self-awareness.”
A Shared Responsibility
Schools are also inviting parents into the conversation through digital literacy workshops. “It’s not the job of one school or one person—it’s a community responsibility,” said Hendrickse.
Marsman stressed the importance of parental curiosity. “Just because your child is quietly sitting on the couch doesn’t mean they’re safe. Understanding platforms like Snapchat, Discord, or Twitch helps build trust and bridges the generation gap.”
Even platforms themselves are making moves. Instagram, for example, recently enhanced teen privacy features. But Rozga emphasized that meaningful protection requires clear family agreements: “Kids respond better to defined rules and expectations.”
Taking away a child’s phone, said Chiu, may signal distrust. “It’s not about tech—it’s about trust and relationships.”
“Create an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes,” said Wong. “If trust doesn’t exist, children won’t come to you when they need help.”
Though social media presents risks, experts stress it is ultimately a tool. Through open communication, clear boundaries, and strong role modeling, families and schools can guide young people to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
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