Insights from Dr. Jasmine Reese based on an episode of REACHing Solutions, a new podcast series from The REACH Institute
Social media is woven into nearly every part of young people’s lives. Recent data shows that about 93% of U.S. teens (ages 13–17) use at least one social media app. For many kids and teens, it’s a primary source of community, entertainment, and information. But as many of us are aware, its impact on mental health is complex, offering meaningful benefits while also introducing significant risks.
In an upcoming episode of The REACH Institute’s brand-new podcast, REACHing Solutions (coming in 2026), adolescent medicine specialist and REACH faculty member Jasmine Reese, MD, MPH, sheds light on what she sees every day in clinical practice: the good, the bad, and the confusing middle ground.
Social media isn’t all bad…
Dr. Reese emphasizes that technology is not going away, and for many young people, online platforms offer substantial outlets for both self-expression and connection. For example: among teens surveyed, 74% say social media helps them feel more connected to friends, and 63% say it gives them a place to be creative.
Access to credible health information can also empower adolescents to ask questions and seek help when they need it. Among teens surveyed, about one-third (34%) report that they sometimes get information about mental health on social media. The key, Dr. Reese notes, is ensuring that information is trustworthy and that children are using these tools safely.
Understanding the risks
Dr. Reese describes a clear rise in depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and eating disorders linked to social media use. For young people whose frontal lobes are still developing, the constant influx of information — and comparison — can be overwhelming.
Data shows that many teens are also aware of social media’s “dark side”. In a recent survey, about 19% of teens said social media hurt their mental health, 22% said it hurt their grades, 45% said social media hurt their sleep, and 40% said it hurt their productivity.
Dr. Reese encourages providers and parents to pay attention to:
- Increased isolation or time spent alone on devices
- Loss of interest in activities
- Mood changes, distractibility, or dropping grades
- Signs of cyberbullying or harmful digital interactions
These signals can indicate that a child’s online habits are beginning to impact their well-being.
Start the conversation early (and make it routine)
One of Dr. Reese’s core messages is that providers must ask about social media regularly, in the same way they screen for other lifestyle factors. She recommends giving teens private time during visits and using open-ended questions to understand how they use different apps and how those experiences make them feel.
Clinicians should urge caregivers to stay engaged, set expectations early, and model positive online behavior themselves. Boundaries, open conversation, and ongoing check-ins are more effective than strict time limits alone, especially when schoolwork and socializing already require kids to be online.
Want more insights? A full conversation with Dr. Reese is available on the REACHing Solutions podcast.
Dr. Reese’s full interview dives deeper into:
- How to identify problematic social media use
- Strategies for talking with teens about online safety
- Handling cyberbullying disclosures
- What she’s seeing in adolescent mental health today
- How REACH training has strengthened her approach to mental health care
Visit the REACHing Solutions podcast page to listen and subscribe on your favorite platform.
