Why We Need Stricter Rules for Social Media Use Among Teens

Social Media is taking over the world!

29/07/2025

By - Moses Humphries -

Let’s be real: social media is a huge part of most teenagers' lives. We use it to connect with friends, stay up to date with trends, and sometimes even just to kill time. But as fun as it might seem, there’s a growing concern that social media might be doing more harm than good. It’s time we started thinking seriously about setting stricter rules for how teens use these platforms not just for our safety, but for our mental health and wellbeing too.

One of the biggest reasons for this is the impact social media has on mental health. Studies have shown that heavy use of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in teens. It’s not hard to see why. Every time you scroll, you're bombarded with perfect-looking lives, bodies, relationships, and achievements. It’s easy to start comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re not good enough. Over time, that kind of thinking can mess with your confidence and mental state. If we had clearer rules—like time limits or content filters it could help prevent some of this damage before it starts.

Another important point is that many teens don’t fully understand the long-term consequences of what they post online. We’ve all seen it—someone posts something without thinking and it ends up going viral for all the wrong reasons. These mistakes can haunt people for years, affecting school opportunities, jobs, and personal relationships. Stricter rules and better education around what’s appropriate to post could help prevent these situations. Teenagers deserve the chance to grow and learn without risking their future because of one bad decision made in the heat of the moment.

Now, some people argue that it’s up to parents to control their kids’ social media use—not the government or schools. While parents definitely play a role, let’s be honest: not all parents know how these platforms work, or even have the time to monitor everything. Social media companies also need to step up and take responsibility for the environments they’ve created. This isn’t about taking away freedom—it's about setting healthy boundaries, just like we do with driving, drinking, or working. Teenagers need guidance, and stricter rules can provide that structure.