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<\/p>\nMore than two-thirds of teens in 2024 say they use TikTok, and more than a third of teens use social media “almost constantly,” according to Pew Research. How might this influence mental health?<\/p>\n
Jordan explains that in 2024, Bark studied 3.4 billion messages across users’ social media platforms and other apps. Findings showed that more than half of teens engaged with others about depression and almost 75% of teens were involved in situations involving suicide or self-harm. Furthermore, Jordan adds, “42% of teens used language about or were exposed to anxiety…and 85% of teens experienced bullying as a bully, victim, or witness.”<\/p>\n
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Although teens may be talking about depression, anxiety, and self-harm on social media, they also use social media to find information about mental health problems. In a 2024 survey\u00a0sponsored\u00a0by Hopelab and Well Being Trust, 30% of teens who had symptoms of depression turned to social media to feel less alone (via Well Being Trust). They also turned to social media to connect with health peers and other supports when they felt depressed. According to the\u00a0Mayo Clinic, teens also use social media as a means of expression and identity while also connecting with a global community. Using social media for humor and distraction was also found to help depression symptoms.<\/p>\n
Although Bark only tracks engagement that needs attention, Titania Jordan says\u00a0the app can foster discussions between parents and their children. “Parents are having more open and meaningful conversations with their children about social media, online dangers, and mental health, and this sets the stage for healthier behaviors and more positive impacts.”<\/p>\n
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Jordan stresses the importance of knowing how your teen talks about mental health, particularly the slang teens use. This helps parents identify any warning signs of mental health concerns. In addition to educating parents on the lingo to be aware of, the Bark blog also helps parents recognize signs that their\u00a0teen may be thinking about suicide. The blog is updated frequently and offers more about talking with your teen about social media and mental health.<\/p>\n
“We can’t stress enough how important it is for parents to be able to talk about anything \u2014 yes, anything \u2014 with their children,” Jordan said. “Hard conversations may be stressful and awkward, but they’re absolutely essential to helping kids learn about important topics.”<\/p>\n
Learn more about the Bark app and its resources at the Bark website or Bark’s Instagram. You can find out more about Titania Jordan on her profile page or Instagram. For more resources for kids, teens, and young adults, Jordan also suggests the National Alliance on Mental Health website.<\/p>\n