Chandigarh, Jan 18: Medical experts and school administrators are raising alarms over the deteriorating mental health of teenagers, attributing a surge in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem to addictive social media platforms. Professionals noted that the digital landscape is specifically engineered to keep young users engaged, often leading to a loss of self-control and the development of unrealistic life expectations.
Dr. Kunal Kala of MindPlus Hospital mentioned that adolescents now spend several hours daily on apps like Instagram and Snapchat, frequently comparing their own lives to curated, idealized versions of others. He noted that this constant exposure creates a dangerous cycle of insecurity regarding physical appearance and lifestyle popularity.
“In today’s world, exposure to social media is important but it is taking a toll on the mental health of adolescents,” Dr. Kala directly said. He further explained that short-form content is actively disrupting attention spans, making it increasingly difficult for children to regulate their emotions or practice mindfulness.
The issue of accountability has also been directed toward the home environment. Educators observed that parents often struggle to set boundaries because they are either too busy or are deeply engaged with social media themselves. Sister Veena, Principal of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, mentioned receiving reports of students spending up to 14 hours a day online, a trend she finds alarming.
“Parents feel helpless, but they themselves provide unlimited access and freedom. Parents must become role models for their children,” Sister Veena noted, urging families to prioritize shared time over individual screen use.
The real-world consequences are already visible to parents and counselors. One mother, identified as Rashmi, mentioned that her 15-year-old daughter experiences severe anxiety and self-doubt if her posts do not receive immediate validation through likes. School counselors also noted that this digital dependency has fueled an increase in cyberbullying and social isolation, as many teenagers feel withdrawn or fear parental judgment if they report negative online experiences.
