Wed. Jan 8th, 2025
social media

The pressure of social media and teens

We consume curated content 24/7. For young people, this can significantly affect their mental health and self-worth. Social media creates an environment where teens feel pressured to present a perfect version of themselves.

According to the Pew Research Center, 45% of teens feel overwhelmed by the drama on social media. Around 40% say they feel pressure to post content that looks good or gains likes and comments. For 26% of teens,this worsens their self-esteem, leaving them feeling inadequate compared to others.

A new approach to digital well-being

Linsey Lunny, CEO and Founder of Hidden Strength, acknowledges that social media is here to stay. She emphasises the need to adapt rather than resist. “Rather than telling teenagers to get off their phones, we should leverage those phones to help them,” she says.

This thinking inspired Hidden Strength, a platform that combines the familiarity of social media with anonymous, supportive features. It offers a safe space for teens to share their experiences and access mental health resources.

How to help teens navigate social media

Parents and communities play a vital role in helping teens manage these challenges. Avoiding or dismissing social media isn’t the solution. Instead, we should equip young people with the tools to use technology positively.

Providing educational resources, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging open conversations about online experiences can empower teens. Platforms like Hidden Strength provide safe havens where young people can seek peer support and professional guidance.

What makes Hidden Strength unique?

Hidden Strength stands out as a mental health platform tailored for young people. It creates an anonymous environment where teens can access meaningful support. The platform offers peer-to-peer interactions alongside on-demand sessions with qualified therapists in secure virtual settings.

This innovative approach helps teens navigate tough situations while fostering resilience and self-worth. Hidden Strength transforms technology into a tool for well-being.

Connect with Hidden Strength

To learn more about Linsey Lunny’s mission or explore Hidden Strength, visit their website. The platform offers invaluable resources for teens struggling with mental health challenges.

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.

Read next