06/12/2026
For today’s teens, the digital world is not separate from real life; it is where much of connection, communication, comparison, and pressure happens.
A recent report from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office highlighted concerns raised by students about social media, including the pressure to measure up, the stress of constant comparison, exposure to harmful or misleading content, and the difficulty of stepping away when social media is a primary way teens connect with peers.
Social media can help young people feel connected but it can also affect mental health, self-esteem, sleep, relationships, and overall well-being.
Families and communities can help by:
• Keeping conversations open and judgment-free
• Talking about what teens are seeing online
• Encouraging offline connection and activities
• Setting healthy boundaries around screen time
• Helping teens recognize credible information
• Reminding young people that support is available
If a young person in your life seems overwhelmed, withdrawn, anxious, or not like themselves, check in. You do not need the perfect words. Listening can be a powerful first step.
NAMI Lehigh Valley is here with education, support, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Learn more at https://nami-lv.org/