Charles Esther
Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X have become more than just entertainment hubs.
They now serve as digital classrooms where youth learn about complex issues like mental health.
However, this shift presents significant challenges, especially for children still learning to navigate the virtual world.
While these platforms increase awareness, they also expose young users to information they may not fully understand or interpret accurately.
Educators and mental health professionals are raising the alarm about how social media shapes children’s perception of mental health.
Hanna Kemble, an elementary school counselor in Kansas, recounts conversations with sixth graders who casually mention having anxiety.
When asked if they received a medical diagnosis, many admit they arrived at their conclusion after watching numerous TikTok videos.
This trend reveals a larger issue: children are using social media to self-diagnose psychological conditions.
A Symptom of a Larger Problem
Counselors across the country are witnessing the same phenomenon.
The combination of post-pandemic trauma, lack of media literacy, and unregulated online content creates a storm of confusion for children.
According to a 2024 report by Common Sense Media, over one in three young people search for mental health information on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
This reliance on social media stems from a deeper issue — many students feel they lack trusted adults to talk to.
Jamie Nunez from Common Sense Media explains that loneliness and isolation continue to plague children even after the pandemic has ended.
The Evolving Role of School Counselors
School counselors are supposed to provide emotional and psychological support.
However, their ability to fulfil this role is often compromised.
Kemble highlights how people traditionally view counselors as “guidance” professionals who focus solely on schedules or scholarships.
In reality, school counselors are crucial in building students’ emotional intelligence, career goals, and academic readiness.
Yet many of them are overwhelmed.
Sarah Kirk, a former California school counselor, says the system burdens them with non-counseling tasks like test preparation.
The recommended student-to-counselor ratio by the American School Counselor Association is 250:1.
However, the national average is 385:1.
In Kemble’s case, she handles 450 students alone.
This overload makes it difficult for counselors to connect with every student, pushing many children toward social media for emotional support.
Dangerous Echo Chambers
The problem is not just misinformation.
Algorithms on these platforms tend to bombard users with similar content, which can reinforce distorted views.
Children searching for mental health information might encounter content that is not only inaccurate but potentially harmful.
Validation from online peers can further entrench these beliefs.
AI Chatbots as Digital Companions
Another growing concern is the increasing use of AI chatbots by youth seeking digital companionship.
While they may offer immediate support, these bots often lack empathy and nuanced understanding.
University of Cambridge researchers have flagged the dangers of AI’s “empathy gap,” which can mislead vulnerable children.
Some AI tools have even been linked to dangerous recommendations for minors.
In response, legislation like the Kids Off Social Media Act and Youth Mental Health Research Act has been proposed.
States such as Georgia, New York, and North Dakota have banned cellphones in schools to curb digital dependency.
Embracing AI with Caution
Despite the risks, some educators are experimenting with AI as a tool for student engagement and support.
Kemble, for example, uses the SchoolAI platform to help students with academic, emotional, and career-related concerns.
One of her creations, Scout the Career Fox, has become popular among students.
The system alerts counselors when students express signs of crisis or confusion.
However, Kemble emphasizes the importance of ethical usage.
She ensures parental consent and trains both students and families to understand that these chatbots are not real people.
To ensure balance, she uses the “H + AI + H” approach — starting with human input, using AI support, and circling back to human oversight.
This method keeps AI use ethical and student-centric.
Building Media Literacy Early
While AI can assist, educators and experts agree that media literacy must be taught early and continuously.
Nunez underscores the need to help children critically evaluate content creators’ intentions and expertise.
Rather than banning certain media or judging students for what they watch, open conversations between parents, teachers, and counselors are essential.
Integrating Mindfulness into Education
Kirk sees yoga and mindfulness as other tools for emotional regulation.
Her team has trained over 60,000 educators in basic yoga techniques, like stretching and breathing, that can be practised without mats.
She stresses that social-emotional learning should be internalized, not just performed when prompted by adults.
Teaching children to own their coping strategies is crucial for long-term resilience.
The Way Forward
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure children leave school equipped with emotional, academic, and life skills.
While social media and AI offer new avenues for learning and connection, they must be used responsibly and under guidance.
Counselors play an irreplaceable role in this process — one that deserves more support and recognition.
