Children and teenagers make up a significant percentage of those on social media. 95% of children age 13-17 say they use at least one social media app, such as TikTok, Instagram or X according to a report by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon-General. Social media has both significant benefits and drawbacks for children. Findings show that social media can help children feel more accepted, more connected to their friends and more creative. Conversely, social media can also affect or cause depression and anxiety in teens. Adolescent girls also are more likely to struggle with body image issues. Cyberbullying and poor sleep are other issues tied to social media usage.
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