Social Media & Mental Health: What Parents Should Know
In today’s digital world, many children and teens are turning to social media for connection, entertainment, and information. A recent article from Johns Hopkins Medicine explores this growing trend and raises important concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. Experts Dr. Carol Vidal, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, co-director of Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, share both the benefits and risks of social media use — insights that align with the media-conscious approach of Waldorf education.
Benefits: Connection and Support
According to Dr. Vidal, social media can offer real benefits for children and teens, particularly when used in moderation. It can provide access to mental health resources, affirm developing identities, and offer a sense of community — especially for young people who may not find that connection in their immediate surroundings.
"Many children and teens may find a community that is more accepting of who they are and their identities than their immediate family or school environment," says Dr. Vidal. Social media can also encourage positive behaviors such as seeking help, building social support, and reducing stress.
These observations can be reassuring to parents who may feel uneasy about social media. However, both Dr. Vidal and Dr. Katzenstein emphasize the importance of thoughtful, intentional use — something deeply aligned with Waldorf values.
Risks: Depression, Isolation, and Sleep Disruption
Despite its potential benefits, social media poses significant mental health risks, especially when overused. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory warns that excessive use may affect developing brains — impacting emotion regulation, social behavior, and impulse control.
Dr. Katzenstein notes that there is a strong correlation between high social media use and depression. Interestingly, low usage is also associated with depressive symptoms, suggesting that the key lies in finding the right balance — or “sweet spot” — for each child.
Research shows that social media can contribute to:
Social isolation, as online interactions may not fully replace real-life relationships
Reduced physical activity and time outdoors, which are key to mental well-being
Sleep disruption, especially due to screen use before bed and the stimulating nature of social feeds
As Dr. Vidal explains, excessive use is “associated with behaviors, such as poor sleep, increased social comparisons, impact on learning, and exposure to cyberbullying and negative content, that could contribute to the worsening of depressive symptoms.”
A Waldorf Approach: Clear Rhythms, Healthy Boundaries
While social media is part of modern life, the Waldorf approach — with its focus on rhythm, presence, and developmental readiness — offers strong protection. At Waldorf School of DuPage, the school’s media policy supports healthy digital habits by requiring that students remain media-free from Sunday evening through Friday morning. This boundary creates space for imagination, interpersonal connection, and uninterrupted learning — all essential to healthy development.
The recommendations from Dr. Vidal and Dr. Katzenstein echo many Waldorf values:
Take regular breaks from screens
Turn off notifications
Establish phone-free zones and times
Delay smartphone ownership until children are developmentally ready
Most importantly, model balanced digital habits as parents
Dr. Vidal reminds us that developing a healthy relationship with social media is just as important as building a healthy relationship with food, exercise, or rest. For Waldorf families, the school’s media policy provides a supportive framework to do just that.
Final Thoughts
While social media can be a tool for connection and support, it must be approached with care. The insights from Johns Hopkins experts strongly support what Waldorf educators and parents have long known: children need real-life experiences, deep sleep, and emotional presence to thrive.
By combining research-backed strategies with the protective structure of WSD’s media-free weekdays, parents can help their children build a lifelong, balanced relationship with technology — one that supports, rather than undermines, their mental health.
Note that this post was heavily influenced by this Johns Hopkins article.
