The Impact of Doomscrolling on Teen Suicide
What is Doomscrolling?
Doomscrolling is the act of continuously scrolling through negative news and social media posts, often leading to a cycle of consuming distressing information. This behavior became particularly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it persists as a significant issue today. The constant exposure to bad news can have severe effects on mental health, especially for teenagers.
The Effects on Teen Suicide
The relentless consumption of negative content can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression among teens. These mental health issues are significant risk factors for suicide. The constant barrage of distressing news can make teens feel overwhelmed and powerless, leading to a sense of despair that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Real-Life Events
Case of Sarah: Sarah, a 16-year-old high school student, became increasingly anxious and depressed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She spent hours each day doomscrolling through news about the virus, lockdowns, and economic downturns. Her parents noticed a drastic change in her behavior—she became withdrawn, stopped participating in family activities, and her grades began to slip. Despite their efforts to intervene, Sarah's mental health continued to decline, leading to a suicide attempt. Fortunately, she survived and is now receiving professional help, but her story highlights the severe impact doomscrolling can have on teens.
Case of Jake: Jake, a 17-year-old, was an active and outgoing teenager before he started doomscrolling. The constant exposure to negative news about climate change, political unrest, and social injustices led him to feel hopeless about the future. His parents noticed that he was spending more time alone in his room, often late into the night, scrolling through his phone. Jake's increasing anxiety and depression culminated in a crisis where he expressed suicidal thoughts. With the support of his family and mental health professionals, Jake is now on a path to recovery, but his experience underscores the dangers of unchecked doomscrolling.
What Parents Need to Know
Recognize the Signs: Parents should be aware of the signs of doomscrolling and its impact on their children's mental health. These signs include increased anxiety, depression, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns.
Open Communication: It's crucial for parents to maintain open lines of communication with their teens. Encourage them to talk about what they are seeing online and how it makes them feel.
Monitor Usage: Keep an eye on the amount of time your teen spends on social media and news sites. Excessive use can be a red flag for doomscrolling.
Healthy Limits for Social Media Use
Set Time Limits: Experts recommend limiting social media use to less than two hours per day. For teens, this might mean setting specific times for social media use, such as 20-30 minutes, three times a day.
Disable Notifications: Turning off notifications can help reduce the urge to constantly check social media and news updates.
Encourage Offline Activities: Promote activities that do not involve screens, such as reading, sports, or hobbies. These activities can provide a healthy balance and reduce the time spent doomscrolling.
How to Implement Healthy Limits
Use Apps and Tools: There are various apps and phone settings that can help monitor and limit screen time. Parents can use these tools to set boundaries for their teens' social media use.
Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes specific times for social media use and other activities. This can help teens develop healthier habits.
Lead by Example: Parents should model healthy social media habits themselves. By demonstrating balanced use, parents can set a positive example for their children.
What Can Be Done to Help Kids
Provide Support: Offer emotional support and understanding. Let your teen know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and that you are there to help.
Seek Professional Help: If your teen is struggling with mental health issues, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy and counseling can provide valuable support and coping strategies.
Educate About Media Literacy: Teach your teen to critically evaluate the information they see online. Encourage them to seek out positive and reliable sources of news and to question sensationalist or negative content.
Doomscrolling is a harmful behavior that can significantly impact the mental health of teenagers, contributing to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. By recognizing the signs, setting healthy limits, and providing support, parents can help teens navigate the digital world more safely and healthily.
For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676
Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.
