Social Media, Mental Health & Autistic Teens in the UK

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In recent years, the intersection of teenagers, mental health, and social media use has become a much-debated topic, particularly in the UK. Concerns about the negative effects of screen time on young people’s emotional well-being are at an all-time high, with studies linking increased social media use to issues such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness. While these concerns are valid, it is important to consider the full picture. Social media also has the potential to offer positive benefits, from fostering connections and creativity to building mental resilience. In this blog post, I will explore both sides of the argument, challenging the common narrative that social media is inherently harmful to teenagers.

This debate becomes even more complex when we consider autistic and neurodivergent teenagers. For them, the role of social media is particularly nuanced. On the one hand, it can provide opportunities for connection, support, and self-expression in a way that is more accessible and less overwhelming than face-to-face interactions. On the other, it can sometimes contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and social pressure. So, does social media ultimately help or harm autistic teenagers in the UK? Let us explore the evidence and see how this question plays out.

Social Media and Mental Health: The Science Behind It

The impact of social media on mental health has been an ongoing topic of discussion, particularly concerning adolescents. For autistic and neurodivergent teenagers, this conversation is even more nuanced. On the one hand, social media offers opportunities for connection, support, and self-expression; on the other, it can contribute to isolation, anxiety, and social pressure. The question arises: does social media help or harm autistic teenagers in the UK?

This question gained additional attention recently when Channel 4 aired a programme exploring the effects of mobile phone use in a school setting. The school asked its pupils to hand in their mobile phones for a month to investigate how the absence of social media and smartphones would affect their well-being and productivity. While this programme may suggest a negative view of digital technology, particularly for vulnerable groups, there is more to the story when we focus on autistic and neurodivergent individuals and how they interact with the online world.

The Positive Aspects of Social Media for Neurodivergent Teens

Autistic and neurodivergent teenagers often face unique challenges in social interactions, and traditional face-to-face communication can be difficult, sometimes leading to feelings of exclusion. For many, social media offers an alternative that is less overwhelming than in-person interactions, providing them with a space to connect with others who may share similar experiences.

Research supports the idea that, for some neurodivergent teenagers, social media can be an important tool for social inclusion and support. A study titled Use of social network sites among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (published in 2022 in Frontiers in Public Health) examines how adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage with social networking sites (SNS), highlighting both the benefits and the challenges they experience. The study found that while SNS can provide emotional support and a sense of community, they also expose communication difficulties inherent in ASD. The authors emphasise the importance of guiding SNS use among adolescents with ASD to maximise benefits and minimise potential drawbacks.

Additionally, social media platforms offer access to a wide range of educational resources and advocacy groups that can be empowering for neurodivergent teens. Pages focused on neurodiversity awareness, mental health, and support groups allow teenagers to feel seen and understood. Many individuals report finding comfort in online spaces where they can discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.

In real-life testimonials, several neurodivergent individuals have shared how social media helped them find a sense of community. For example, Emily, a 16-year-old from London with ADHD and autism, explained, “I don’t always feel like I fit in at school, but when I log on to Instagram, I find people like me who get it. It’s comforting. I can express myself without worrying about being misunderstood.”

The Risks of Social Media Use: A Balanced Approach

Of course, there are legitimate concerns about the potential negative effects of social media on mental health, not just for autistic teenagers but for adolescents in general. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry (2019) highlights the link between increased social media use and higher rates of anxiety and depression among teenagers. For neurodivergent individuals, who may already experience heightened sensitivity to social cues, the pressure of maintaining a ‘perfect’ online image can exacerbate mental health struggles.

One significant risk is overexposure to comparison and unrealistic expectations. Many neurodivergent teenagers struggle with self-esteem and may find it difficult to measure up to the often curated, idealised lives seen on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. These feelings of inadequacy can contribute to negative mental health outcomes.

Cyberbullying is another issue that particularly affects vulnerable groups, including neurodivergent teenagers. A study published by The National Autistic Society (2021) found that autistic children are more likely to experience bullying online than their neurotypical peers. The relative anonymity of the internet can embolden bullies, making it harder for victims to escape the harmful environment.

Channel 4’s Experiment: A Case Study on the Impact of Phone Use in Schools

The Channel 4 programme mentioned earlier, in which a school asked its pupils to hand in their mobile phones for a month, offered compelling insights into the relationship between smartphone use and mental health. While the initiative focused on the wider adolescent population, many of the students involved in the experiment showed improvements in concentration, mental well-being, and social interactions.

The programme revealed that the absence of smartphones helped students re-engage with face-to-face communication—something autistic teenagers, in particular, may struggle with. With fewer distractions, some students were able to form deeper connections with their peers in a non-digital context. However, the show also revealed that some students, particularly those with neurodivergent traits, experienced increased stress and anxiety, feeling disconnected from their online support networks.

This highlights a crucial point: while the reduction of social media use may help some teenagers, for others—especially those who rely on these platforms for connection and support—it may worsen feelings of isolation and anxiety. A complete withdrawal from digital spaces is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution.

Finding Balance: A Tailored Approach

The key to supporting neurodivergent teenagers in the age of social media is balance. Rather than framing digital technology as inherently harmful, we should focus on navigating it in a way that promotes positive mental health outcomes. This includes setting healthy boundaries for screen time, ensuring access to supportive online communities, and encouraging open conversations about the pressures and challenges that arise from social media use.

For parents and carers, this means being proactive in guiding their children through social media. Conversations about privacy, cyberbullying, and emotional regulation when using digital devices can help teenagers become more mindful of their online experiences. Schools could also play a supportive role by integrating digital literacy programmes that teach students how to engage safely and healthily in online spaces.

Conclusion:

The relationship between autistic and neurodivergent teenagers, mental health, and social media is complex. While there are undeniable risks—including anxiety, social comparison, and cyberbullying—social media can also provide a vital platform for connection, support, and self-expression. By adopting a balanced and tailored approach to social media use, we can ensure that neurodivergent teenagers have the tools they need to navigate both the digital world and their mental health in a positive way.

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For more information about what we do, contact us at admin@i-am-autism.org.uk or call 0161 866 8483.

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