Stockholm: (The Conversation) Teenagers all over the world use social media and messaging apps as part of their daily lives. This is accompanied by growing concerns about the negative effects of social media on youth mental health - and ongoing debates around limiting screen time and access to digital devices.

What is frequently missing in these conversations, though, is what teenagers themselves think. How do online activities affect their mental health? How do they want adults to engage with them? Understanding their concerns is crucial to addressing the ways these may affect mental wellbeing.

In recent research, we collaborated with Unicef and partners worldwide to interview over 490 young people aged 10 to 19 across Belgium, Chile, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, China, Malawi, Switzerland, Sweden and the US.

Young people expressed nuanced views, identifying both positive and negative aspects of digital communication. Many said adults neither understand nor are involved enough in what teenagers do online, yet young people want adults to care about and guide them through their online experiences.

They reported that digital communication offers social and emotional support but can also increase stress through comparisons, cyberbullying and passive consumption. Many highlighted pressures related to appearance, influencer lifestyles and harmful gender stereotypes, especially for girls.

Bullying on social media was a major concern, with young people fearing misuse of photos and sexually explicit abuse.

At the same time, teenagers globally agreed that digital platforms help them build friendships, find support, cope with distress and access mental health information — a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support them effectively, adults must strengthen their digital literacy and listen to young people's perspectives. Initiatives for safer online environments should be co-designed with youth to ensure relevance and trust. (The Conversation)