Rose Park Psychology offers Therapy and Support for Parents, Children and Families Navigating Digital Overload, Comparison, Online Anxiety and overall Social Media Harm.
Distressing issues that arise from the Social Media Ban can be address by similar approaches to that taken when dealing with social media harm. Social media addiction can cause high levels of friction, when a ban is enforced.
Why have a social media ban? What does a psychologist have to say?
Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, but for many young people, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and low self-esteem. You may feel like you’re losing touch with your child, or unsure how to set boundaries without constant arguments. You’re not alone. Support is available.
Excessive social media use, especially before bed, is associated with anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.
- Girls and young women are particularly vulnerable to comparison, body image issues, and social exclusion online
- Cyberbullying and online drama can have real-world consequences, including withdrawal, mood changes, and even trauma
- Passive scrolling (rather than active connection) is linked to increased emotional distress
Many teens report feeling stuck in a cycle: even when social media makes them feel worse, they feel compelled to keep checking, posting, or comparing.
Is Social Media Overuse or Online Bullying Harming Your Teen’s Mental Health? What is happening after the ban?
Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling
- They stay up late scrolling and are constantly tired
- They seem anxious, down, or irritable — especially after using their phone
- They’re more withdrawn, sensitive, or easily overwhelmed
- They compare themselves to others online — often negatively
- You’ve noticed secretive behaviour around screen time
- They avoid offline activities or social events
- You suspect they may have experienced cyberbullying or exclusion
If you’ve noticed these signs, therapy can help create space for understanding and support — without blame or conflict.
Why It’s So Hard for Them to Switch Off
Social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged, through likes, shares, streaks, and algorithms that reward scrolling. But beyond the design, many teens use social media to cope with anxiety, loneliness, or low self-esteem.
It can become their way of:
- Feeling included
- Avoiding uncomfortable emotions
- Seeking approval or validation
- Escaping from academic or social pressure
How Therapy Can Help
Our psychologists provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help your teen (and your family) explore their relationship with social media.
Therapy supports:
- Understanding why social media is so emotionally charged
- Managing comparison, peer pressure, and social anxiety
- Healing from online bullying or exclusion
- Improving sleep, mood, and focus
- Building offline self-confidence, relationships, and hobbies
- Developing practical boundaries around screen time
- Supporting parents in communicating and setting limits more effectively
We use evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, tailored to the individual needs of the young person.
Support for the Child, Teen, Parents and Families
We know how difficult it is to talk about social without triggering a shutdown, an argument, or more distance. That’s why we work not just with teens — but with families.
Therapy with a psychologist offers:
- A neutral space where young people feel safe to open up
- Parent coaching to understand screen use and build stronger communication
- Shared strategies to create realistic and respectful boundaries
- Support for co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or identity challenges
Whether your teen is stuck in a scroll cycle, struggling with online comparison, or simply overwhelmed by the digital world — therapy can help them reconnect with their values, confidence, and real-life supports.
Book a confidential appointment with one of our experienced psychologists today.
In-person and telehealth sessions available. Parents may want to attend on their own or may want to book for the child or teenager.
