Santhosh Gugulothu, Shah Din
As smartphones and social media dominate young lives, a new report from the Pew Research Centre (April 2025) reveals a growing concern: social media is taking a toll on teens’ mental health. Although the study primarily examines U.S. teenagers, its findings are also highly relevant to India, where 72% of students will be social media users by 2025. Indian parents, often strict yet deeply caring, face a unique challenge in guiding their children through this digital maze. With rising mental health issues and cultural pressures, it’s time for families, schools, and policymakers to act.
The Pew Report: A Global Warning
The Pew Research Centre surveyed U.S. teens aged 13-17 and their parents and exhibits the striking results: 48% of teens believe social media has a “mostly negative” effect on their peers, up from 32% in 2022. Yet, only 14% say it harms their own mental health, which shows a disconnect in self-awareness. Parents are more worried, with 55% citing social media as a major threat to teen well-being.
Social media’s downsides are clear. About 45% of teens say it hurts their sleep, 40% report reduced productivity, and 19% link it to poorer mental health. Girls face worse outcomes, with 25% saying social media damages their mental health (vs. 14% for boys) and 20% reporting lower confidence (vs. 10%). On the flip side, 74% of teens value social media for staying connected with friends, and 63% see it as a creative outlet. However, 39% feel overwhelmed by online drama, and 31% face pressure to post popular content.31% feel excluded byfriends, while 27% feel worse off in their own lives.
The report also highlights communication gaps. While 80% of parents feel comfortable discussing mental health with their teens, only 52% of teens feel the same. Teens are equally comfortable talking to friends (48%) but less so with therapists (31%) or teachers (12%). These findings underscore a need for open dialogue, a challenge that resonates deeply in India.
India’s Digital Boom and Mental Health Crisis
India’s youth are among the world’s most connected. With around 900 million internet users, platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are central to teen life. A 2024 Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) study found that 65% of Indian teens experience lower self-esteem due to social media comparisons. UNICEF reports that 1 in 7 Indian youth aged 15-24 show depressive symptoms, a trend worsened by the pandemic and academic pressures.
Indian students face unique challenges. The Economic Survey 2024-25 noted that overexposure to social media and long study hours contribute to stress. A 2023 study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) revealed that 30% of urban Indian teens report anxiety linked to social media addiction.
Indian Parents: Strict but Supportive
For many Indian teens, scoring well in exams is non-negotiable thanks to parents who often see academic success as the ticket to a better life. Many view social media as a distraction, with 60% restricting phone use during study hours. However, this strictness often stems from care. Unlike U.S. parents, 80% of whom feel comfortable discussing mental health, only 40% of Indian parents feel equipped to do the same, often due to stigma or lack of awareness.
This gap is critical. Indian teens, hesitate to open up. The Pew report shows teens prefer friends over parents for mental health talks, a trend mirrored in India, where 50% of urban teens confide in peers. Cultural norms, which prioritize academic success over emotional well-being, can make teens feel judged rather than supported. Yet, Indian parents are adapting. In cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, many parents now attend workshops on digital parenting. Programs like “Digital Shakti” teach families about online safety and responsible internet use, helping reduce excessive social media time in participating households. These efforts show promise, but rural areas, where most of India lives, lack such resources.
A Strong Case for Action
India’s youth are its future, but their mental health is under threat. The Pew report reveals worrying trends: many U.S. teens view social media as harmful to their peers and admit to excessive use. These findings mirror India’s challenges, where social media addiction and cyberbullying are rising. Social media is a double-edged sword; it fosters connection and creativity, but it also raises isolation and stress. Indian parents must balance their protective nature with empathy, listening to their teens’ struggles. Schools can play a vital role by teaching digital literacy and helping students navigate online spaces safely. Policymakers should enforce stricter rules on age-appropriate content, like the Karnataka High Court’s 2025 proposal to raise the social media age limit to 21. Open communication is crucial. The Pew report suggests teens who talk to parents face less cyberbullying, so families must create safe spaces for honest conversations. Community efforts like Kerala’s panchayat-led mental health programs can bridge the rural-urban divide. By fostering dialogue, promoting digital literacy, and addressing systemic issues, Indian parents, schools, and leaders can safeguard the next generation’s well-being.
A listening ear at home can be as powerful as any policy. Indian parents don’t need all the answers; they need the willingness to ask, ‘Are you okay?’
(Santhosh Gugulothu, is Senior Research Fellow, CESS, Hyderabad, Telangana
and Shah Din is PhD Scholar, Central University of Gujarat.)
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