--- title: Social Media, Self-Esteem, and Teen Suicide description: Teen mental health is at the forefront of concern, with rising suicide rates. Dive into the role of social media and how healthcare teams can help. image: https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/230908_PCC_Blog7Graphics_1200x628_Header.jpg --- - [Request a 1:1 Consult](https://info.pcc.com/consult) - [Brochure](https://www.pcc.com/brochure/) - [Blog](https://blog.pcc.com) - [Client Support](https://support.pcc.com) [![PCC_Horizontal](https://blog.pcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PCC%20Logos/PCC_Horizontal.png?width=210&height=62&name=PCC_Horizontal.png)](https://www.pcc.com/) - Our Solution - [Why Choose PCC?](https://www.pcc.com/why-choose-pcc/) - [Financial Management Tools](https://www.pcc.com/financial-management-tools/) - [Clinical Workflow Tools](https://www.pcc.com/clinical-workflow-tools/) - [Mobile Solutions](https://www.pcc.com/mobile-solutions/) - [PCC Interoperability](https://www.pcc.com/interoperability/) - [Technical Support](https://www.pcc.com/technical-support/) - [Personalized Support](https://www.pcc.com/personalized-support/) - [Our Pricing Model](https://www.pcc.com/pricing/) - Our Results - [Pediatric Benchmarks](https://www.pcc.com/pediatric-benchmarks/) - [Client Testimonials](https://www.pcc.com/client-testimonials/) - [Success Stories](https://www.pcc.com/success-stories/) - Learn with PCC - [Overview](https://www.pcc.com/learn/) - [PCCLearn: Knowledgebase](http://learn.pcc.com/) - [PCCTalk: Client Forum](https://www.pcc.com/talk/) - [PCC Protocols Library](http://protocols.pcc.com/) - [PCMH Resources](http://pcmh.pcc.com/index.php/PCC_PCMH_Resources) - [PCC Users’ Conference](https://www.pcc.com/users-conference/) - [Events & Trainings](https://www.pcc.com/events/) - Insights - [Smart Pediatrics Resource Center](https://www.pcc.com/smart-pediatrics-resources/) - [Cost Impact Calculator](https://www.pcc.com/cost-impact-calculator/) - [Does Your Practice Measure Up?](https://www.pcc.com/performance-calculator/) - [PCC Blog](https://www.pcc.com/blog/) - [Chip’s Blog](https://chipsblog.pcc.com/) - [Charting the Future Podcast](https://info.pcc.com/charting-the-future) - About PCC - [Overview](https://www.pcc.com/about/) - [Request a 1:1 Consult](https://info.pcc.com/consult) - [Meet Our Team](https://www.pcc.com/team/) - [Events & Trainings](https://www.pcc.com/events/) - [Careers](https://www.pcc.com/careers/) - [PCC Industry Pros](https://www.pcc.com/industry-pros/) - [Contact Us](https://www.pcc.com/contact-us/) [pediatric mental health](https://blog.pcc.com/tag/pediatric-mental-health) # Social Media, Self-Esteem, and Teen Suicide Social media is a double-edged sword for today's teens. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat provide ways for teens to create, communicate, and explore their identities. But these spaces also introduce risks like cyberbullying that can negatively impact mental health. With rising youth suicide rates, many assume social media is partly to blame. However, research reveals a more nuanced picture. While intensive social media use may increase mental health risks for some teens, it does not directly cause suicide. Rather than pinning suicide on social media alone, pediatricians need a balanced approach. We must monitor teen social media habits while also prioritizing mental healthcare and suicide prevention. This means spotting warning signs sooner and fostering emotional wellness at every opportunity. ## The Impact of Social Media on Teen Self-Esteem![Doctor and teen talking in office](https://blog.pcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/230908_PCC_Blog7Graphics_1080x1080_1.jpg?width=262&height=262&name=230908_PCC_Blog7Graphics_1080x1080_1.jpg) According to a 2020 report, the [suicide rate for U.S. teens rose 57.4%](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr69/NVSR-69-11-508.pdf?_ga=2.57817962.1595091322.1600113401-938738154.1600113401) from 2007 to 2018, making it the second leading cause of death for this age group. Additionally, a [study by JAMA Psychiatry](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2749480) found that adolescents spending over 3 hours daily on social media faced increased risk for mental health issues. But there's more to the story. Many teens benefit from social media, using it to express themselves, connect with friends, discover new information, and dive into hobbies. While problems like cyberbullying can't be ignored, it's an oversimplification to blame social media as the primary driver behind rising teen suicides. For pediatricians, it's essential to see both the advantages and challenges of social media, always prioritizing the mental well-being of their young patients. ## Strategies for Promoting Positive Self-Esteem and Reducing the Risk of Teen Suicide With social media unlikely to be the sole culprit, what proactive strategies can healthcare teams implement to foster healthy self-esteem and prevent suicide in adolescents? ### The Role of Healthcare Providers - **Mental Health Check-ups**: Make these a regular part of care and stay alert for mood shifts, irritability, and feelings of isolation. Tools like [CHADIS](https://www.site.chadis.com/behavioral-health) can help identify problems early. - **Patient Connections**: Build strong relationships with young patients and engage in open dialogues, without laying all blame on social media. - **Behavioral Health Integration:** Bring mental health resources directly into your clinic to offer easy access for adolescents. - **Distress Signs & Resources:** Keep families informed about warning signs and the importance of helplines like the [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.](https://988lifeline.org/) - **Community Initiatives**: Get involved in local projects that support teen mental health and well-being. ## Working Together To Promote Teen Wellness![Doctor and teen patient talking in clinic setting](https://blog.pcc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/230908_PCC_Blog7Graphics_1080x1080_2.jpg?width=233&height=233&name=230908_PCC_Blog7Graphics_1080x1080_2.jpg) Using a caring and fact-based method, pediatricians and healthcare teams can truly make a difference in promoting self-esteem and monitoring the mental health of teens. It takes teamwork to ensure our teens grow up happy and strong in today's world. By working with kids, families, schools, and communities, we can give our young people the full support they need. Remember, we're all in this together for our youth's future.   ### Exploring Behavioral Health Integration PCC's resource, "Integrating Behavioral Health: A Guide to Expanding Access," offers a comprehensive look at the possibilities. By weighing all options and ensuring you're prepared, you can make a significant impact on the well-being of our future generation.   [![Access Our Guide to Integrate Behavioral Health into Your Practice](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/373774/d9618195-52cd-49a7-b49e-5c362416ced3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/373774/d9618195-52cd-49a7-b49e-5c362416ced3)   ## Allie Squires ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) Allie Squires is PCC's Marketing Content Writer. She received a Master's of Science in Professional Writing from NYU and resides in Vermont with her partner. She most enjoys writing stories that connect pediatricians' work with their goals for the future. ## You might also like ## [Early Childhood Mental Healthcare: Identifying and Supporting Young Patients ![](https://blog.pcc.com/hubfs/Copied%20Assets/Pivot%20-%20Related%20Articles%20Slider/line-blog.png) Mental health is part of whole-person health, affecting human beings across lifespans and including.. 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Allie Squires on Oct 04, 2023 [Read More](https://blog.pcc.com/whats-stressing-pediatricians-stress)](https://blog.pcc.com/whats-stressing-pediatricians-stress) ### Ready to improve your performance? Contact us today. You'll discover how easily your numbers can improve when you have the right EHR, and a dedicated pediatric-focused support team, on your side. 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