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Encouraging our teens and tweens to step away from their devices and embrace the great outdoors has become more important than ever. The allure of digital entertainment can be undeniably captivating, but as parents, we need to help kids find a healthy balance between virtual and real-life experiences. Today, Jen Barnes, a South Carolina mom of three teens, will explore a world of outdoor games and activities specifically designed to engage teens and tweens, getting them off screens and into the sunshine, fresh air, and the exhilarating world of outdoor play.

Teens need play, too

It can be daunting to come up with a list of outdoor activities to get teens and tweens off screens, but I bet you have a bunch of these ready in your back pocket. You just need a refresher and some inspiration! Outdoor games and activities are a great opportunity for teens to take breaks from their screens, get social, exercise, and have fun. The best outdoor activities for teens are the ones that combine fun, friends, and fresh air!

The best way to encourage teens and tweens to get outside for some fresh air and fun is to ensure there is a lot of peer community. Contrary to popular belief, older kids need and want to play. I believe it's important to give teens and tweens an outdoor outlet to play and connect with each other. And yes, the competition might be leveled up as the kids get older, but that's all part of the fun for them.

The benefits of outdoor play for kids (teens and tweens included) are boundless, ranging from physical health to mental well-being and personal development. As we delve into the thrilling outdoor pursuits listed below, we'll also uncover the compelling reasons why fostering a love for the great outdoors can shape our teens and tweens into well-rounded, resilient individuals.

So, join us on this journey to reconnect with nature, as we discover the transformative power of unplugged adventures for our young ones. It's time to swap pixels for sunlight and pave the way for unforgettable memories and lasting life lessons. You may want to bookmark this post so you can come back to it the next time your teen says he/she is bored or if you find them staring at the screen for too long.

Organized outdoor activities and games

Sometimes, organized outdoor activities give teens and tweens the structure to get started and provide teens and tweens with the essential structure they need to kickstart their outdoor adventures. These activities offer a framework that introduces them to the joys of being outside. This structure not only fosters discipline and teamwork but also encourages them to discover new interests and skills. What's truly remarkable is how these organized activities can serve as a springboard for creativity. As long as you have an outdoor space for them to play, you may be pleasantly surprised how often they go outside.

As they get used to turning toward outdoor fun, they will begin to create their own versions and rules and sometimes even their own games. These newfound freedoms allow them to experiment, collaborate with friends, and develop problem-solving skills-all while having a blast in the great outdoors. In this way, organized outdoor activities serve as the initial stepping stones that lead to a world of limitless possibilities for creative and unstructured outdoor play.

For now, here is a list of organized games and activities for your teen or tween started:

Disc golf / frisbee golf

Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, combines the precision of golf with the excitement of throwing a frisbee. This fun activity encourages teens to explore natural settings like parks or wooded areas while honing their throwing skills. The benefits include enhanced hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular exercise, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. There are a host of established courses that many local parks and recreation facilities can offer. If you don't have any courses near you, teens and tweens will often make their own course through the neighborhoods. Local parks are also a good space to set up a homemade course.

Putt putt golf

For very little cost, teens and tweens can meet up together to play a little putt-putt together. Putt-putt golf, a miniature version of traditional golf, is a classic outdoor game that provides an engaging outdoor experience with its colorful courses and quirky obstacles. Teens can challenge their friends or family while developing focus and patience. This fun activity not only encourages friendly competition but also improves concentration and spatial awareness. This is also a great outdoor activity while traveling!

Pickleball

This fast-paced sport, most well-known for a more mature crowd, has taken the teen world by storm. Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis and table tennis, is played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a wiffle ball. It's perfect for teens looking for a fun and fast-paced outdoor activity that promotes agility, teamwork, and cardiovascular fitness. The relatively low learning curve allows beginners to quickly get into the game and enjoy the benefits of active play.

Parks and recreation facilities are quickly adapting their tennis courts, and pop-up pickleball clubs are all the rage. Rent paddles or buy your own.

Tennis, a fast-paced racquet sport, encourages teens to engage in friendly matches or practice their skills on public courts. This activity enhances cardiovascular fitness, agility, and hand-eye coordination while fostering social interaction and sportsmanship. It's a game that can be played casually or competitively, indoor or outdoor, any time of year, making it adaptable to different skill levels and interests.

Golf, with its serene greens and picturesque landscapes, invites teens to embrace a more tranquil outdoor experience. Whether they're playing on a full-sized course or enjoying mini-golf, golf teaches patience, focus, and precision. Teens can challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. Golf encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving as they navigate the course. These activities not only promote physical fitness but also instill valuable life skills, making them ideal options to lure teens away from screens and into the great outdoors.

Both tennis and golf are sports that are great for a group as small as two. Actually, golf can be played solo and well into the late decades of your life, making it a great sport to start young. Teens will definitely get their steps in and make memories playing.

Kickball, reminiscent of childhood playground games, is an excellent choice for teens (and kids of all ages). It's a fun game that encourages them to run, kick, and strategize as a team. The benefits include increased physical fitness, improved coordination, and opportunities for social bonding. It's a great game that can be played in parks, schoolyards, or any open space, making it accessible and convenient. Kickball is a classic game and great for involving teens and tweens because it just doesn't get too serious, and everyone can have fun.

Big group games and activities

Teens and tweens can have so much fun by engaging in big group games and activities outdoors. These large-scale gatherings create an atmosphere of excitement, camaraderie, and friendly competition that's hard to replicate indoors. I often think about the field day activities that little kids have so much fun with and what a good time those were. This is similar, but maybe just up a notch for the older kids. They have a little more freedom and a little more self control, but at the same time the wild draws them in more.

These types of activities can transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. The sheer scale of these activities fosters a sense of community, encouraging teens to bond with their peers, make new friends, and build lasting memories together. The laughter, energy, and shared moments create a sense of togetherness that's both invigorating and deeply satisfying.

Moreover, big group activities outdoors offer a unique chance for teens and tweens to develop essential life skills. They learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as they strategize with their peers to achieve common goals. These games also promote physical fitness, as running, jumping, and competing in large group settings provide an excellent workout.

Beyond the physical benefits, these fun outdoor activities teach crucial lessons about leadership, cooperation, and adaptability, which can prove invaluable as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond. In essence, big group outdoor activities empower teens and tweens to have fun, forge strong connections, and grow into more resilient and socially adept individuals.

Glow stick tag

If your teens find themselves bored or restless after the sun goes down, this game of tag is a way for them to extend their outside time. Better to play with a glow stick than the glow of a screen! Glow Stick Tag is a variation of the classic game of tag, but played in the dark with glow sticks. Teens experience the thrill of pursuit and evasion while enhancing their agility and reflexes. This outdoor game for teens is perfect for summer evenings and encourages outdoor play well into the night.

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is another classic game involving strategy, teamwork, and a bit of stealth as teams work to capture the opposing team's flag while defending their own. Played in wide open spaces, this game encourages teens to explore outdoor settings, develop communication skills, and engage in friendly competition. Benefits include improved physical fitness, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and the cultivation of a strong sense of camaraderie among participants. There are all kinds of versions the game that the group can adapt and make work for older kids, younger kids, and even adults (if they'll let you play!). This is great for maximum physical activity with fun.

There's also a glow-in-the-dark version of this game that can be played outdoors at night, making it extra fun and keeping teens outside into the evening hours.

Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee combines the athleticism of soccer, football, and basketball with the joy of throwing a frisbee. Played on a field, this game promotes cardiovascular fitness, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Teens improve their coordination, communication, and agility while relishing the exhilaration of a fast-paced outdoor sport. This one will require a big, open space, so consider a local school field or park with lots of room to run. My youngest loves to gather his buddies on a rainy day and play this at our local park for maximum laughs and a reason to get as dirty as possible. Bring towels and a change of clothes!

Outdoor scavenger hunt

Outdoor scavenger hunts (or treasure hunts) are fantastic for unleashing the inner child and explorer in teens. Armed with a list of items to find or clues to decipher, they venture into nature or urban environments, promoting an appreciation for the world around them. These hunts enhance observational skills, boost curiosity, and provide educational opportunities about the environment and local history.

Teen group activities are great, but if it's a huge group, sometimes breaking into smaller groups helps the quieter ones. You can find online resources to make clues and/or ridiculous lists of treasures to find. A fun variation of this to make it a photo scavenger hunt or use the Goosechase app to create the scavenger hunt. Teens and tweens can use their phones, so it's kind of a win-win for everyone.

Manhunt, a modern twist on hide-and-seek, is an exhilarating outdoor game where one person hides (or one team hides), and the other team members seek to find them. Teens experience the excitement of exploration and strategy as they work together to outwit their pursuers. It's like hide & seek in reverse, and awesome for larger groups (and any age group). Manhunt fosters creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking, all while getting teens to move, run, and explore the great outdoors. End of the game is when all players have been found. It can be adapted for teens who are driving or can be done on a large property for high-level fun.

Water games and activities

Teens and tweens will take any chance to play around water. There is no better way to motivate my teenagers to get outside than to just add water! Because of the summer heat where we live, sometimes water activities are the only way to get my teens outside. Use whatever water you can get your hands on. Hoses, sprinklers, pools, natural waterways, whatever works! For instance, water balloons, add a refreshing twist to classic games like tag or dodgeball. The splashes and giggles that ensue create unforgettable moments, while also providing a much-needed respite from the heat during hot summer days (bonus points if you add ice cream to the mix after the game).

Activities like slip 'n' slides turn any ordinary backyard into a water park, allowing teens to slide and glide to their heart's content. These games not only offer a great workout but also inspire creativity as teens invent new ways to make a splash and keep the fun flowing.

Pool basketball and pool (or beach) volleyball

Pool basketball and pool volleyball transform a typical backyard pool into a vibrant arena of aquatic competition. These games encourage teens to engage in friendly matches, improving their coordination and teamwork as they chase after the ball. Beyond the physical benefits, these activities offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Both of these games are great for small groups, big groups, or even just one-on-one hours of fun in the sun...or rain, as my kids would have it! They're a great way to get everybody involved. If you have too many to fit in the pool, do a rotation to make sure you're being inclusive to all. We like this 4-way volleyball set that can also be adjusted down for badminton.

Mass water balloon fight

Water balloon fights are a lighthearted way to bring large groups of teens together for a wet and wild adventure. These battles not only foster social interaction and laughter but also promote strategic thinking as participants aim to soak their opponents while staying dry themselves. The spontaneity of water balloon fights creates unforgettable memories and strengthens bonds among friends.

You can play something like this with any number of players. If you have a big group you can set this up as a dodgeball-type competition, or if you have a smaller group, then perhaps an egg toss-type event. Even a combo of Capture the flag with water balloons could work and be a fun way to mix it up. You could also do something similar with Nerf guns or water cannons. The idea is to get everyone outside and having fun.

Giant slip 'n slide

Turn any grassy slope into a thrilling water park. Teens can slide and race, mastering the art of balance and speed. These slippery adventures provide a full-body workout while keeping everyone cool and entertained on hot summer days. For this to work well, it needs to be a rainy day, or you need access to running water. Either way, your teens and tweens will have some war wounds they can brag about. I've seen these set up to land in a lake or a pool. I highly suggest using something as a trial run to make sure no one gets seriously injured.

Tubing, water skiing & wakeboarding

Tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding introduce teens to the exhilaration of water sports. Whether gliding behind a boat on an inflatable tube, skiing across the surface, or riding the waves on a wakeboard, these activities promote physical fitness, balance, and coordination. Add a little speed on the water really gets the teens goin' and keeps them outside for hours with some healthy risk-taking. They also foster a deep connection with natural bodies of water, encouraging teens to appreciate and protect these environments.

Backyard games for teens and tweens (or at the beach)

Whether it's a game of cornhole in the backyard or a round of spikeball on the beach, these fun activities create opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. Backyard games offer a casual yet competitive setting where teens can bond with friends or family while honing their hand-eye coordination and aiming skills. What's particularly wonderful about these outdoor games is their adaptability to different skill levels, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Backyard (or beach) games encourage teens and tweens to unplug and immerse themselves in the sensory delights of the outdoors, from the feeling of sand between their toes to the warmth of the sun on their skin. These activities not only provide a well-rounded workout but also offer countless opportunities for laughter, camaraderie, and spontaneous moments of creativity as teens build, chase, and compete in the beauty of the backyard or along the shoreline.

The ultimate yard and beach game is set up for a 4 player game. Spikeball is a dynamic and fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball and four-square. Played on the grass or sand, it demands quick reflexes, teamwork, and strategic ball control. It's an excellent way for teens to engage in an action-packed outdoor sport that keeps them on their toes. If you have multiple nets, you can set up a tournament or just keep it small with a few friends. I see teens carrying this game in their cars so they have it at all times when the opportunity arises.

Cornhole, the classic bean bag toss game, offers a perfect blend of leisure and competition. Teens can gather in teams, honing their tossing skills while enjoying spirited matches. Beyond the fun, cornhole fosters precision, focus, and friendly rivalry among players. This easygoing game is great for all ages and allows for a lot of peer interaction. For tweens, this can be a good activity to get the conversation rolling without too much awkwardness.

Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a classic yard game great for family events! This game combines skill, precision, and friendly competition. Played with the simple goal of tossing a horseshoe to encircle a stake in the ground, it requires a keen eye, a steady hand, and strategic judgment. Horseshoes is not only a great way for teens to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine but also an opportunity to bond with friends and family in a relaxed and social setting. Whether played casually at a backyard barbecue or in a more competitive tournament format, horseshoes provide a perfect blend of leisure and challenge, making it a timeless favorite that connects generations and fosters good-natured rivalry.

Bocce ball is a simple yet strategic game that encourages teens to engage in precise throws and tactical thinking. Played on a grassy surface, it promotes gentle physical activity and can be enjoyed in a relaxed or competitive setting.

Obstacle course

A great way to get teens and tweens involved is to have them develop an obstacle course. Obstacle courses are versatile and adaptable outdoor activities that allow teens to construct challenges from everyday objects or purchased equipment. Building and navigating these courses enhances problem-solving abilities, creativity, and physical fitness. There are so many different way to adapt this idea for kids of any age. Teens can design their own courses and compete for the fastest time, fostering a sense of accomplishment. Help them brainstorm creative ideas to use items you have around the house. Invite the neighborhood friends and find a way to make it a fun competition.

Shoot hoops

Shooting hoops is a timeless activity that encourages teens to practice their basketball skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and engage in friendly competitions with friends. Whether they're aiming for a casual game of H.O.R.S.E. or a more serious one-on-one showdown, shooting hoops is a fantastic way to stay active and develop athletic prowess.

Ladder golf

Ladder golf combines strategy and precision as teens aim to toss bolas onto a ladder-like structure. This game promotes balance, accuracy, and the joy of aiming for a challenging target. Ladder Golf is an ideal choice for socializing and refining coordination skills.

Slacklining involves balancing on a narrow, flexible strap suspended between two anchor points. It challenges teens' core strength, concentration, and balance. Slacklining offers not only a unique physical workout but also a sense of accomplishment as teens progress from wobbly steps to confident walks on the line.

Other outdoor activities

There are other things to consider as a way to get your teens and tweens off screens and outside more. Plan a field trip day for big fun. Make a plan and invite friends. Or engage in some everyday outdoor fun like biking, fishing, or hiking.

Make reservations or buy tickets to a nearby water park. This is a great way to spend all day long outside in the hot summer temperatures. Most places allow you to pack your own picnic lunch and provide facilities to shower or change clothes.

Theme park/amusement park

These may not seem like outdoor activities, but your teens and tweens will get in lots of steps on a day exploring. Even the waiting in lines keeps them outside and off screens for the day!

A trip to the zoo or aquarium can be both entertaining and educational. Teens can learn about various animal species, conservation efforts, and even participate in behind-the-scenes tours and interactive exhibits.

Historical sites and museums

Teens interested in history can enjoy visiting historical landmarks, battlefields, or museums dedicated to art, science, or culture. These trips provide valuable learning experiences while keeping them engaged offline.

Outdoor adventure parks

Adventure parks with activities like zip-lining, ropes courses, and rock climbing can satisfy the thrill-seeker in teens and tweens. These parks often offer age-appropriate challenges that promote physical fitness and confidence.

Botanical gardens

Strolling through beautiful gardens filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers can be a serene and visually stimulating experience. Some botanical gardens even host seasonal events and workshops.

Outdoor sports venues

Take teens to watch live sporting events like baseball, soccer, or football. Witnessing professional athletes in action can ignite their passion for sports and encourage physical activity.

Additional resources

Which outdoor games and activities will you use to get your teens and tween off screens?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She's always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She's on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram:@gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes

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Outdoor Games & Activities To Get Teens and Tweens Off Screens * RUN WILD MY CHILD

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It can be hard to find outdoor activities to get teens and tweens off screens but here is a creative list of ideas to get you started.

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How to Get Kids to GO Outside and PLAY Outside

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Getting kids to play outside can be hard -- but not if you try these tips from a mom whose kids love the outside as much as their phones!

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Research review (curated by Jonathan Haidt)

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Research review (curated by Jonathan Haidt)

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Publicly visible "collaborative review" documents to acquaint yourself with the research literature.

When I began to study the effects of social media on teen mental health, in 2019, I found it impossible to keep track of the many conflicting studies. I started collecting the most important ones in a Google document, then I started organizing them by method, and then I invited other academics to tell me what I had missed or gotten wrong. These publicly visible "collaborative review" documents make it easy for anyone to acquaint themselves with the research literature on the many topics listed below. They offer the abstract and a direct link to each study. I invite any academic researcher to request editing permission for any of the docs and then add studies, comments and objections. Most are curated by Zach Rausch and me, sometimes along with an expert on that topic.

A) Major Collaborative Review Documents

Adolescent Mood Disorders Since 2010: A Collaborative Review
This document collects and organizes dozens of published studies documenting changes in adolescent mental health in the USA and UK in the 21st century.

Social Media and Mental Health: A Collaborative Review
This document collects and organizes dozens of published studies addressing whether social media is a major cause of the rapid rise in adolescent depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide in the USA and UK since the early 2010s. For a deep dive into the evidence of causality from published experiments, see our Experimental Studies Overview.

Social Media and Political Dysfunction: A Collaborative Review
This document collects and organizes more than a hundred published studies that address the question of whether social media is a major contributor to the rise of political dysfunction and the decline of democratic health that occurred in the USA and other Western democracies in the 2010s.

What is Happening to Boys? A Collaborative Review
This document collects and organizes more than a hundred published essays and studies that address what is happening to the mental health [and well-being] of boys and young men in the U.S. and how are these changes related, if at all, to the mass migration of social life onto digital platforms since the early 2000s?

This is the beginning of a collaborative review; we have not yet sent it out for contributions and critiques from other scholars.

Free Play and Mental Health: A Collaborative Review
This document collects and organizes the published studies addressing the question: would more free play, especially in elementary school, reduce rates of depression and anxiety disorders? The decline of free play may be a large part of the backstory of the teen mental health crisis that began around 2012. This is the beginning of a collaborative review; we have not yet sent it out for contributions and critiques from other scholars.

The Effects of Phone-Free Schools: A Collaborative Review
This document collects and organizes the published studies and essays addressing the questions: (1) What do we know about phone-free schools' social, educational, and mental health impacts? And (2) how can elementary and middle schools best manage smartphone use during the school day?

Social Media Reforms: A Collaborative Review
This document collects and organizes the citations and summaries of current and proposed social media reforms, both at the policy and platform levels. This also includes beneficial apps and tools, developed to mitigate the adverse effects of social media.

B) International Coddling Documents

After I wrote The Coddling of the American Mind (with Greg Lukianoff), I wanted to know if the trends we identified were happening around the world. So I created collaborative review docs for some countries that I visited, and for world regions as Zach and I found good datasets. So far, we can say with confidence that the trends we describe in the book are spreading throughout the major English-speaking countries: paranoid parenting, overprotection, safetyism, social media immersion, "walking on eggshells" in universities, and rising rates of teen depression, anxiety, and self-harm. For Zach's report on the mental illness epidemic in all the Anglosphere countries, see here.

C) Documents in Development

These are preliminary. Please do browse, and add content!

D) Other Useful Documents

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Collaborative Review Docs - The Anxious Generation

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Publicly visible "collaborative review" documents to acquaint yourself with the research literature.

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Let Grow | When Adults Step Back, Kids Step Up

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We equip parents, educators, and communities with the tools and confidence to raise independent kids who are ready to succeed in our ever-changing world.

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The decline of play | Peter Gray | TEDxNavesink

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Let children play | Alex Elliott Lockhart | TEDxBasel

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Cellphones_ To Ban or Not to Ban_ - Student Handout

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Cellphones_ To Ban or Not to Ban_ - Teacher Version

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Student Digital Learning Agreement - Grades 6-12 - English and Spanish

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Smart Phone Bans in International Schools

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Smart Phone Bans in International Schools

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One School’s Journey With Phone Free Policies | The International Educator (TIE Online)

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There is clear evidence that smartphones impact students’ mental health, behavior, focus, and relationships. Urgent interventions are needed to support students

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Apps Parents + Teachers Should be Aware Of (Poster)

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Digital citizenship: teens being responsible online

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Responsible digital citizenship is taking part in online activities safely, ethically and respectfully. It helps kids and teens be safe and have fun online.

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Grades 6-8 - Digital Well-Being - Positive Tech Habits - Lesson Slides

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TCKs, digital technology and mental health 

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Third Culture Kids, Digital Environments and Mental Health eNurture

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2024 Common Sense Advice on School Cellphone Bans

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Teen Girls: Mental Health and Social Media

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Teen Girls: Mental Health and Social Media

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Teen Girls’ Mental Health: Strategies for Coping with the Challenges of Social Media - edWeb

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In this edWebinar, gain valuable insights into the impact of social media on the mental health of teenage girls.

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Opinion | Are Smartphones Driving Our Teens to Depression?

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The evidence reveals a more complicated reality than the conventional wisdom would have you believe.

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Away For The Day is an organizing initiative to encourage middle schools implement "Away For The Day" (AFTD) cell phone policies to foster academic success and emotional well-being of students.

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3 Schools, 3 Principals, 3 Cell Phone Bans

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These three schools have recently implemented policies banning cell phones in some or all areas of the school—but each has taken a very different approach.

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Digital Distractions: The Case for Phone-Free Schools with Ian Rowe and Jonathan Haidt

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Phones must be turned off and stored in one of the following approved solutions:
Priority Solution
Cell phone locker or secure pouch such as Yondr.

Alternate Option, but NOT preferred (if the above is NOT an option)
Personal locker (this solution is not as effective and not recommended as a priority solution as it still gives students access).

**Research indicates that carrying a cell phone in a backpack or on your person is not effective and therefore does not meet the requirements of the PFSM.

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Phones must be turned off and stored in one of the following approved solutions: Priority Solution Cell phone locker or secure pouch such as Yondr. Alternate Option, but NOT preferred (if the above is NOT an option) Personal locker (this solution is not as effective and not recommended as a priority solution as it still gives students access).

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Journal of Media Education | January 2016

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Vol. 7 - Number 1, January 2016 Journal of Media Education JoME

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Many parents worry about how exposure to technology might affect toddlers developmentally. We know our preschoolers are picking up new social and cognitive skills at a stunning pace, and we don't want hours spent glued to an iPad to impede that. But adolescence is an equally important period of rapid development, and too few of us are paying attention to how our teenagers' use of technology - much more intense and intimate than a 3-year-old playing with dad's iPhone - is affecting them. In fact, experts worry that the social media and text messages that have become so integral to teenage life are promoting anxiety and lowering self-esteem.

Young people report that there might be good reason to worry. A survey conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health asked 14-24-year-olds in the UK how social media platforms impacted their health and well-being. The survey results found that Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all led to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image, and loneliness.

Indirect communication

Teens are masters at keeping themselves occupied in the hours after school until way past bedtime. When they're not doing their homework (and when they are) they're online and on their phones, texting, sharing, trolling, scrolling, you name it. Of course before everyone had an Instagram account teens kept themselves busy, too, but they were more likely to do their chatting on the phone, or in person when hanging out at the mall. It may have looked like a lot of aimless hanging around, but what they were doing was experimenting, trying out skills, and succeeding and failing in tons of tiny real-time interactions that kids today are missing out on. For one thing, modern teens are learning to do most of their communication while looking at a screen, not another person.

"As a species we are very highly attuned to reading social cues," says Catherine Steiner-Adair, EdD, a clinical psychologist and author of The Big Disconnect. "There's no question kids are missing out on very critical social skills. In a way, texting and online communicating puts everybody in a context where body language, facial expression, and even the smallest kinds of vocal reactions are rendered invisible."

Lowering the risks

Certainly speaking indirectly creates a barrier to clear communication, but that's not all. Learning how to make friends is a major part of growing up, and friendship requires a certain amount of risk-taking. This is true for making a new friend, but it's also true for maintaining friendships. When there are problems that need to be faced - big ones or small ones - it takes courage to be honest about your feelings and then hear what the other person has to say. Learning to effectively cross these bridges is part of what makes friendship fun and exciting, and also scary. "Part of healthy self-esteem is knowing how to say what you think and feel even when you're in disagreement with other people or it feels emotionally risky," notes Dr. Steiner-Adair.

But when friendship is conducted online and through texts, kids are doing this in a context stripped of many of the most personal - and sometimes intimidating - aspects of communication. It's easier to keep your guard up when you're texting, so less is at stake. You aren't hearing or seeing the effect that your words are having on the other person. Because the conversation isn't happening in real time, each party can take more time to consider a response. No wonder kids say calling someone on the phone is "too intense"- it requires more direct communication, and if you aren't used to that it may well feel scary.

If kids aren't getting enough practice relating to people and getting their needs met in person and in real time, many of them will grow up to be adults who are anxious about our species' primary means of communication - talking. And of course social negotiations only get riskier as people get older and begin navigating romantic relationships and employment.

Cyberbullying and the imposter syndrome

The other big danger that comes from kids communicating more indirectly is that it has gotten easier to be cruel. "Kids text all sorts of things that you would never in a million years contemplate saying to anyone's face," says Donna Wick, EdD, a clinical and developmental psychologist. She notes that this seems to be especially true of girls, who typically don't like to disagree with each other in "real life."

"You hope to teach them that they can disagree without jeopardizing the relationship, but what social media is teaching them to do is disagree in ways that are more extreme and do jeopardize the relationship. It's exactly what you don't want to have happen," she says.

Dr. Steiner-Adair agrees that girls are particularly at risk. "Girls are socialized more to compare themselves to other people, girls in particular, to develop their identities, so it makes them more vulnerable to the downside of all this." She warns that a lack of solid self-esteem is often to blame. "We forget that relational aggression comes from insecurity and feeling awful about yourself, and wanting to put other people down so you feel better."

Peer acceptance is a big thing for adolescents, and many of them care about their image as much as a politician running for office, and to them it can feel as serious. Add to that the fact that kids today are getting actual polling data on how much people like them or their appearance via things like "likes." It's enough to turn anyone's head. Who wouldn't want to make themselves look cooler if they could? So kids can spend hours pruning their online identities, trying to project an idealized image. Teenage girls sort through hundreds of photos, agonizing over which ones to post online. Boys compete for attention by trying to out-gross one other, pushing the envelope as much as they can in the already disinhibited atmosphere online. Kids gang up on each other.

Adolescents have always been doing this, but with the advent of social media they are faced with more opportunities - and more traps - than ever before. When kids scroll through their feeds and see how great everyone seems, it only adds to the pressure. We're used to worrying about the impractical ideals that photoshopped magazine models give to our kids, but what happens with the kid next door is photoshopped, too? Even more confusing, what about when your own profile doesn't really represent the person that you feel like you are on the inside?

"Adolescence and the early twenties in particular are the years in which you are acutely aware of the contrasts between who you appear to be and who you think you are," says Dr. Wick. "It's similar to the 'imposter syndrome' in psychology. As you get older and acquire more mastery, you begin to realize that you actually are good at some things, and then you feel that gap hopefully narrow. But imagine having your deepest darkest fear be that you aren't as good as you look, and then imagine needing to look that good all the time! It's exhausting."

As Dr. Steiner-Adair explains, "Self-esteem comes from consolidating who you are." The more identities you have, and the more time you spend pretending to be someone you aren't, the harder it's going to be to feel good about yourself.

Stalking (and being ignored)

Another big change that has come with new technology and especially smart phones is that we are never really alone. Kids update their status, share what they're watching, listening to, and reading, and have apps that let their friends know their specific location on a map at all times. Even if a person isn't trying to keep his friends updated, he's still never out of reach of a text message. The result is that kids feel hyperconnected with each other. The conversation never needs to stop, and it feels like there's always something new happening.

"Whatever we think of the 'relationships' maintained and in some cases initiated on social media, kids never get a break from them," notes Dr. Wick. "And that, in and of itself, can produce anxiety. Everyone needs a respite from the demands of intimacy and connection; time alone to regroup, replenish and just chill out. When you don't have that, it's easy to become emotionally depleted, fertile ground for anxiety to breed."

It's also surprisingly easy to feel lonely in the middle of all that hyperconnection. For one thing, kids now know with depressing certainty when they're being ignored. We all have phones and we all respond to things pretty quickly, so when you're waiting for a response that doesn't come, the silence can be deafening. The silent treatment might be a strategic insult or just the unfortunate side effect of an online adolescent relationship that starts out intensely but then fades away.

"In the old days when a boy was going to break up with you, he had to have a conversation with you. Or at least he had to call," says Dr. Wick. "These days he might just disappear from your screen, and you never get to have the 'What did I do?' conversation." Kids are often left imagining the worst about themselves.

But even when the conversation doesn't end, being in a constant state of waiting can still provoke anxiety. We can feel ourselves being put on the back burner, we put others back there, and our very human need to communicate is effectively delegated there, too.

What should parents do?

Both experts interviewed for this article agreed that the best thing parents can do to minimize the risks associated with technology is to curtail their own consumption first. It's up to parents to set a good example of what healthy device usage looks like. Most of us check our phones or our email too much, out of either real interest or nervous habit. Kids should be used to seeing our faces, not our heads bent over a screen. Establish technology-free zones in the house and technology-free hours when no one uses the phone, including mom and dad. "Don't walk in the door after work in the middle of a conversation," Dr. Steiner-Adair advises. "Don't walk in the door after work, say 'hi' quickly, and then 'just check your email.' In the morning, get up a half hour earlier than your kids and check your email then. Give them your full attention until they're out the door. And neither of you should be using phones in the car to or from school because that's an important time to talk."

Not only does limiting the amount of time you spend plugged in to computers provide a healthy counterpoint to the tech-obsessed world, it also strengthens the parent-child bond and makes kids feel more secure. Kids need to know that you are available to help them with their problems, talk about their day, or give them a reality check.

"It is the mini-moments of disconnection, when parents are too focused on their own devices and screens, that dilute the parent-child relationship," Dr. Steiner-Adair warns. And when kids start turning to the internet for help or to process whatever happened during the day, you might not like what happens. "Tech can give your children more information that you can, and it doesn't have your values," notes Dr. Steiner-Adair. "It won't be sensitive to your child's personality, and it won't answer his question in a developmentally appropriate way."

In addition Dr. Wick advises delaying the age of first use as much as possible. "I use the same advice here that I use when talking about kids and alcohol - try to get as far as you can without anything at all." If your child is on a social media platform, Dr. Wick says that you should friend them and monitor their page. But she advises against going through text messages unless there is cause for concern. "If you have a reason to be worried then okay, but it better be a good reason. I see parents who are just plain old spying on their kids. Parents should begin by trusting their children. To not even give your kid the benefit of the doubt is incredibly damaging to the relationship. You have to feel like your parents think you're a good kid."

Offline, the gold standard advice for helping kids build healthy self-esteem is to get them involved in something that they're interested in. It could be sports or music or taking apart computers or volunteering - anything that sparks an interest and gives them confidence. When kids learn to feel good about what they can do instead of how they look and what they own, they're happier and better prepared for success in real life. That most of these activities also involve spending time interacting with peers face-to-face is just the icing on the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does social media affect behavior negatively?

How does social media affect social skills?

How does social media affect teenagers' mental health?

Is social media harmful?

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How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers - Child Mind Institute

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How does social media affect teens? Experts say kids are growing up with more anxiety and less self-esteem due to social media. Read advice for parents from specialists in our article.

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The Unspoken Issue of Staff Mobile Phone Use in Schools

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The debate around mobile phone use in schools has largely focused on restricting student access, with concerns about distractions, cyberbullying, and online safety. However, one crucial aspect remains largely unaddressed: staff mobile phone use.

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What is free play and why should you encourage it at home?

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Learn how playing independently can benefit your child's development

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Keeping kids safe in the digital world can feel like a full-time job. But it's impossible to monitor their online activity 24/7, so it's critical to help kids learn to navigate digital spaces on their own. Our latest research brief explores the importance of teaching children strong digital citizenship and media literacy skills. This quick guide combines the brief's insights with easy-to-follow tips for parents to help their kids become savvy, responsible digital citizens.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship has been defined as knowing how to use the internet effectively day-to-day. But this definition is too narrow and doesn't keep up with ongoing advances in technology and the ways we use it. Instead, we should think about digital citizenship as encompassing the skills children need to "fully participate academically, socially, ethically, politically, and economically in our rapidly evolving digital world," as defined in Youth and Digital Citizenship+. Three of the most compelling and useful areas that fall under that expanded definition are character education, online safety, and civic engagement - let's dive in.

Acting with Respect in a Digital World

Social-emotional learning (SEL) teaches kids important skills like empathy, self-management, and problem-solving. This type of education can be just as useful online as it is in offline, face-to-face interactions. Caregivers can help their kids experience and create positive online interactions by addressing key SEL competencies within a digital context.

Tips for Parents:

Discuss the importance of respect and empathy online. Ask kids old enough to have social media accounts to share their experiences sharing and receiving respectful, disrespectful, or hurtful content. Share your own experiences of the same and how you felt.

Talk to your child about the possible consequences of their online actions and how they can affect others. Engage in an exercise to think about how another person might feel about seeing or reading something your child has posted online. Is that how they want their actions to make others feel? What might they continue doing, or do differently, to have the effect they want to have on others?

Often, young people turn to their online communities when they are experiencing challenges in the physical world. Identify examples where others have successfully sought support online and examples where they may have compounded their challenges or harm through inappropriate or hurtful posts. Discuss how those posters may have been feeling, what they wanted to achieve by turning to their online communities, and how they could have approached that problem in a positive, respectful, and productive way.

Understanding Online Safety

Online safety is a key part of digital citizenship. It's about keeping personal information and digital devices secure and maintaining mental and physical well-being while engaging online. Teaching kids about online safety will help them confidently explore digital spaces while minimizing risks.

Tips for Parents:

Teach your child about password protection and why it's important that others can't gain access to their hardware and accounts. Trend Micro offers a brief course and conversation starters for parents to use in helping kids to learn about strong passwords, why they're important, and how to craft really good ones. We could all use a refresher!

Talk with your child about information that is okay to share with others online and information that is important to keep private, or to only a trusted, select group of known individuals. You can access a brief guide to key considerations for online privacy and then talk about what you choose to share online, with whom, and why. Create a written set of expectations for your household that describes, in detail, what you agree is okay to share and what will require parental permission before sharing.

Review community guidelines and privacy settings together. Internet Matters offers comprehensive guides to the privacy settings, controls, and blocking options provided by all of the major social media, gaming, and streaming media platforms, as well as all major smartphone providers. Walk through the settings with your child for each of their accounts to ensure they know what the platform is protecting, what they need to be extra careful about, and how they can block and report problematic behaviors.

Find a way to engage with your child regularly to discuss their experiences online. You can talk about their latest Roblox successes while playing basketball, ask about any new TikTok or Instagram Reels they've seen while driving to the mall, or open a conversation about questionable outreach from unknown folks on Discord or Twitch while eating dinner. Asking your child to help you learn how to play their favorite game, scroll videos together, or use a maps app to find a new park can be a great way to get an inside peek into their online lives and what questions or concerns they may have.

Civic Engagement and Digital Citizenship

Civic engagement is crucial to education; it prepares children to navigate the broader political and social world. UNESCO's report " Empowering Youth to Build Peace " emphasizes teaching youth to use technology and critical thinking skills to counter online extremism and radicalization, fostering peaceful interactions.

Social media activism opens doors for youth to engage in digital citizenship, offering low-barrier access to civic participation and opportunities to connect with diverse communities, learn about different cultures, and deepen civic networks. Many kids are keen on participating in political movements and activism, and parents can use this interest and their existing social media skills to engage them in digitally-enhanced citizenship.

Tips for Parents:

Help your child to be a good digital citizen and an online upstander by reporting problematic behaviors, reposting only accurate information, and sharing positive images and messages. The "Golden Rule" is effective in digital citizenship - treat others online as you would like to be treated.

The online world is rife with mis- and dis-information, and it can be difficult to decide what is accurate, exaggerated, or simply false. Learning to question information found online and engaging respectfully with different viewpoints are core skills for kids growing up in our digital age. You can teach your child to consider what a given author or poster might want them to believe and how to question statements that seem designed to engage their emotions or stir controversy. Encourage them to check those questionable statements or facts on such sites as FactCheck.org, Snopes, or PolitiFact or to look up information on reputable sites.

Help your child find and join online communities and participate in digital activism related to their interests. UNICEF provides a multi-media guide for young people and their parents about digital activism and how to engage in positive, impactful ways.

The Importance of Teaching Digital Citizenship

Digital citizenship means more than showing kids how to click and swipe. It's about enabling them to make wise decisions, foster genuine connections, and use the online world for good.

Teaching digital citizenship isn't just about keeping kids safe - it's about nurturing a sense of curiosity and understanding while grounding kids in empathy and respect for their online exchanges. This isn't a one-off lesson but an ongoing conversation throughout a child's development and a set of adaptable skills that grow with each tech innovation. Maintain an open, judgment-free communication zone to support your child's ongoing digital development, and check in with them regularly.

As we cheer on their digital exploration and champion educational initiatives, we're doing more than just preparing kids for living in the digital era - we're sparking their ability to make a positive impact.

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Family Guide to Digital Citizenship - The Digital Wellness Lab

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Keeping kids safe in the digital world can feel like a full-time job. But it's impossible to monitor their online activity 24/7, so it's critical to help kids learn to navigate digital spaces on their own.

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An Evening with Jonathan Haidt: Youth Mental Health, Phone-Free Schools and Collective Action

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Yondr works with educators, artists, organizations and individuals around the world to create phone-free spaces where genuine connection, focus, and creativity can flourish in the absence of technology :: Phone Locking Pouch | Lockable Phone Pouch | Cell Phone Lock Bags For Schools |

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Integrating expertise across technology, mindfulness, and educational instruction, this interactive toolkit helps young people navigate - and push to change - a broken social media environment.

Each guide contains questions and activities that can be self-directed or worked through in a group or classroom setting. Each guide can be useful on its own, though they are best when used as a full curriculum. They are designed for educators to use with youth ages 13-25 but can be used by anyone to learn about these issues and to push for a humane, sustainable, and equitable future.

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Guides for Healthy Tech Use for Kids & Youth - Center for Humane Technology

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We've provided a guide for educators to encourage more healthy and humane tech use with youth aged 13-25. However, this guide will be useful for anyone looking to encourage a more humane and sustainable future.

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Are there parental controls for the laptops my school sends home wi...

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Are there parental controls for the laptops my school sends home with kids? - Learn more and get Common Sense Media’s research-backed tips.

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Thinking of getting your kid a phone? Read this first. (Brought to you by Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up With Your Phone.)

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Helping your child stay in age-appropriate spaces on the internet

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k-ID | Empowering age-appropriate online experiences for kids and teens anywhere in the world

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At k-ID, we specialize in integrating safety and privacy by design compliance solutions for digital platforms, focusing on creating a safer, more responsible online environment for children and teenagers.

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April 2025 Survey on harmful online content

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April 2025 Survey on harmful online content

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What are young people exposed to on the internet?

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Disturbing online content “one of the biggest looming threats to young people’s mental health” as research shows harmful experiences widespread

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As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we share new research which highlights the dangers and opportunities of online communities, and the support in schools that young people need to navigate them.

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New Study Finds Most Experts Share Concerns About the Effects of Smartphones and Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health

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The largest-ever expert survey finds consensus about rising mental health problems, along with general agreement about some causes and potential policy responses

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Maybe there is no causal relation between social media use and wellbeing?

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Maybe there is no causal relation between social media use and wellbeing?

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Authors Niklas Johannes Philipp K. Masur Matti Vuorre Andrew K. Przybylski

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Most researchers studying the relation between social media use and well-being find small to no associations, yet policymakers and public stakeholders keep asking for more evidence. One way the field is reacting is by inspecting the variation around average relations—with the goal of describing individual social media users. Here, we argue that this approach produces findings that are not as informative as they could be. Our analysis begins by describing how the field got to this point. Then, we explain the problems with the current approach of studying variation and how it loses sight of one of the most important goals of a quantitative social science: generalizing from a sample to a population. We propose a principled approach to quantify, interpret, and explain variation in average relations by: (1) conducting model comparisons, (2) defining a region of practical equivalence and testing the theoretical distribution of relations against that region, (3) defining a smallest effect size of interest and comparing it against the theoretical distribution. We close with recommendations to either study moderators as systematic factors that explain variation or to commit to a person-specific approach and conduct N=1 studies and qualitative research.

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‘My parents didn’t have a clue’: why many digital natives would not give their kids smartphones

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Online bullying, violence and paedophilia have made young people sceptical of unfettered access to technology

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Snapchat is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale

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In their own words, we see that Snap Inc’s design choices expose millions of kids to harm

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TikTok Is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale

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Recently revealed text in legal briefs tells a damning story about the company, in its employees’ own words

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Social media and depression in adolescents

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Social media and depression in adolescents

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Yes, Social Media Might Be Making Kids Depressed

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Researchers found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased. Yet the reverse wasn’t true — a rise in depressive symptoms didn’t predict a later increase in social media use.

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How TikTok harms boys and girls differently – video

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What happens when a teenager signs up to TikTok? Neelam Tailor puts TikTok’s algorithm to the test

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October 22, 2025