Imagine a world without social media—the addictive drug that has taken hold of teenagers. What if something so powerful could vanish in an instant? I strongly believe that social media platforms should implement age restrictions for teenagers under the age of 18. Such restrictions could reduce mental health issues among adolescents, curb the constant need for validation, and improve overall academic performance.

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To begin with, as a teenager using social media, I see the dreadful impacts it has on young people. Is it worth it, all for an app? Mental health is a very common concern among teenagers, and its number one target is social media. According to mental health researchers, over 65% of teenagers have been cyberbullied at least once in their lifetime. As a result, suicide rates have increased significantly in the last 10 years, and they continue to rise to this day. Anxiety and depression are also on the rise, which escalates into major situations no teenager should have to face. With the help of age restrictions, social media could present more appropriate content to teenagers, leading to happier and healthier lives.

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Another point worth considering is the need for validation from social media. Many teenagers, especially teenage girls, post pictures craving curated compliments and hoping for likes and comments on their appearance. The problem lies in body image and self-esteem. As you know, AI and Photoshop are widely used in the social media world, with nearly every photo edited, causing everyone to try to live up to unattainable standards. In a survey of 1,600 Australian teenagers, results showed that almost 90% of teens suffer from body dysmorphia because of social media. They believe that the models on Instagram or the influencers on TikTok are the definition of being “pretty.” This creates a dependency on external approval and a habit of frequent posting for temporary satisfaction. Seeking constant validation can lead people to craft an online persona that doesn’t truly reflect who they are. Age restrictions can help reduce pressures associated with certain beauty standards and lifestyles that aren’t meant for young adolescents.

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Finally, have you noticed yourself falling behind in school? Social media can be a convenient way to procrastinate, especially when faced with challenging or less enjoyable tasks such as homework. Scrolling or engaging in online conversations can waste valuable time that could be dedicated to school. Studies show that 51% of high school students lose an hour of precious productivity due to social media. It is not just procrastination; reduced sleep in adolescents due to bright screens makes it hard to unwind each day. Poor sleep can then impact cognitive performance, memory, and the ability to retain information, all of which are critical for academic success. Social media platforms should implement time restrictions or reminders to take breaks frequently, encouraging teenagers to become more productive.

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In conclusion, we can see the severe impacts social media has on teenagers, including the decline in mental health, the feeling of seeking validation, and low academic performance. Restrictions among social platforms will help change the lifestyles of teenagers for the better. So, remind yourselves to take breaks from the screens and never let a post drag you down.