Children (Basel). 2025 Oct 2;12(10):1322. doi: 10.3390/children12101322.

Affiliations

• 1 Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.

• 2 Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

• 3 Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ospedale Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, 00186 Rome, Italy.

• 4 Spine Surgery Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.

• 5 Section of Internal Medicine and Thromboembolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

• 6 Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.

• 7 Unit of Internal Medicine, Cristo Re Hospital, 00167 Rome, Italy.

• PMID: 41153504

• PMCID: PMC12564051

• DOI: 10.3390/children12101322

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of social media among children and adolescents has raised increasing concern about its potential impact on mental health. Given the unique neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities during adolescence, understanding how digital platforms influence psychiatric outcomes is critical. Objectives: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between social media exposure and key psychiatric symptoms in youth, including depression, anxiety, body image disturbances, suicidality, and emotional dysregulation. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, drawing from longitudinal, cross-sectional, and neuroimaging studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Specific attention was given to moderators (e.g., age, gender, and personality traits) and mediators (e.g., sleep, emotion regulation, and family context) influencing the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. Results: Evidence indicates that certain patterns of social media use, especially passive or compulsive engagement, are associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation. Adolescent girls, younger users, and those with low self-esteem or poor emotional regulation are particularly vulnerable. Neuroimaging studies show that social media activates reward-related brain regions, which may reinforce problematic use. Family support and digital literacy appear to mitigate negative effects. Conclusions: Social media use is not uniformly harmful; its psychological impact depends on how, why, and by whom it is used. Multilevel prevention strategies, including media education, parental involvement, and responsible platform design, are essential to support healthy adolescent development in the digital age.

** Keywords: ** adolescents; anxiety; body image; depression; emotional regulation; mental health; neurodevelopment; social media; suicidal ideation.

Publication types

• Review