Connected or chained by social media? Child and adolescent mental health in a digital era.

This peer-reviewed article examines how social media affects child and adolescent mental health in the digital age. The authors argue that social media has shifted from a tool for connection to one that can become compulsive and harmful. The document highlights that addictive design features combined with developmental vulnerability put children at particular risk for mental health problems. The authors call for stricter age limits and stronger protections for young people.

Key points

• Social media has evolved from connection to compulsion
• Addictive designs disproportionately harm children and adolescents
• Developmental vulnerability increases mental health risks
• Stricter age limits are needed
• Stronger protections for children are urgent

Limitations

The document provided is only a title and abstract with no methodology, data, or detailed findings presented. We cannot determine what specific mental health outcomes were studied, what evidence was reviewed, or what geographic contexts were examined.