.jpeg)
Today is Social Media Day. “Social Media Day recognizes the revolutionary impact of digital platforms every June 30. From connecting friends and family across distances to transforming marketing and commerce, social media has reshaped how we interact.”1
As a wireless service provider, we help put smartphones and high-speed data plans into the hands of Kansas families, so we know that our responsibility goes beyond just delivering a strong signal. More than anyone, our children and teenagers are living their lives out loud online. On Social Media Day, we want to take an honest, balanced look at the unique benefits and distinct challenges social media brings to Kansas youth.
“Social media and technological advancements’ impact on adolescent mental health is complex. It can be both a risk factor and a valuable support system.”2 That is to say that social media use isn’t so black and white. There are many benefits from social media, especially regarding fostering community and staying connected with friends and family. However, a growing amount of research has been done in recent years that has also highlighted some of the issues that come along with excessive social media use, especially for kids and teenagers. Let’s take a look at both sides of this issue.
For today's youth, social media isn't just an app on a phone; it is a fundamental landscape where they build relationships, explore identities, and learn about the world. Through these digital platforms, young people can find peers who share their specific passions. It gives them the freedom to look past regional boundaries, broaden their perspectives, and discover communities where they feel fully understood. In rural Kansas, a teen’s closest peer with similar niche interests might live three counties away. Social media eliminates that isolation. It also allows families to stay connected, no matter the distance. Additionally, it can foster creativity and learning. Social media has democratized creativity, allowing small-town kids to broadcast their talents, build small businesses, and find mentorship opportunities that were entirely out of reach not so long ago.
However, we also have heard of the negative aspects of social media use for kids and teens. A growing amount of research has found how social media can have negative impacts on the mental health of young people. Algorithms designed for infinite scrolling frequently feed unrealistic beauty or lifestyle standards, worsening anxiety and body image issues. According to researchers, “Excessive and problematic use has been linked to increased rates of MDD, anxiety, and mood dysregulation, while also exacerbating symptoms of ADHD, bipolar disorder, and BDD.”2 Another challenge young people can face from early social media use is that impulsive posts made at age fourteen can linger online, unexpectedly impacting future opportunities. We all remember what it was like to be a kid and know that kids sometimes say and do dumb things. The problem now is that those things tend to be posted online where it is easy for them to live on and be shared, even years later. In other words, early social media use can lead to kids establishing their digital footprint, “the lasting trail a teenager leaves online — what they post and what platforms quietly collect about them,” rather early where they may not completely understand what that means and what consequences they may face in the future as a result.3
According to a Pew Research Center survey, 45% of teens responded that they spend too much of their time on social media. In that same survey, nearly 50% of teens said social media was harmful to kids in their same age group. Additionally, there was a disparity in how teens and their parents viewed social media as parents tended to be more concerned with social media’s effect on teen mental health than the teens.4
As parents, you might be wondering, “What can we do?” In an ever-evolving digital world, it may seem impossible or unreasonable to completely limit or restrict social media access to your children. If possible, it is best to ensure your kids don’t jump right into social media, especially after getting their first phone. Set ground rules and expectations for your child upon getting their first phone and be sure to navigate this new experience with them as they learn how to use their device and be responsible. If you are nervous about getting your child their first phone, we have options that can make this transition easier for you and your child. We offer smart watches for kids that can help bridge the gap between getting your child their first smartphone. The Xplora X6 Play allows you and your child to stay connected without all the bells and whistles of a smart phone so there are no distractions.
We also just recently launched the Xplora Teen Filter. Xplora Teen Filter helps parents introduce smartphones in a safer, more balanced way. It’s a safer start to smartphones that grows with your child. With the Xplora Guardian app, parents can customize their child’s digital experience, control which apps are available, and gradually introduce new ones as their child grows - helping children build healthy digital habits before social media and algorithms take over. Right now you can get the Samsung A16 with Xplora Teen Filter for $20/month!*
If your children already have phones and currently use social media, it would be a great idea to have a talk with them and make sure they understand your concerns while also giving them the space to grow and explore. It is important to stay updated on what your kids are doing online and become active participants in your kids' digital journeys rather than passive observers. Setting clear guidelines and expectations is key while your child navigates the digital world and the responsibilities that come with it. The APA also lays out some helpful tips below on what parents can do regarding their kids’ social media use:
At Nex-Tech Wireless, we are proud to power the connections that keep Kansans moving forward. This Social Media Day, let’s commit to helping our kids use these powerful tools safely and mindfully.
Sources:
1. National Today - https://nationaltoday.com/social-media-day/
2. The Impact of Social Media & Technology on Child and Adolescent Mental Health -
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12165459/#ABS1
3. Refog - https://www.refog.com/blog/teen-digital-footprint/
4. Pew Research Center - https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/
*Certain restrictions apply. Visit https://www.nex-techwireless.com/xplora-teen-phone got more details.
