What I Learned About Young People and Social Media (And Why It Matters)
I was recently tasked with creating a report on young people and their relationship with social media. As someone who’s long appreciated the resources over at Axis.org, I knew that would be a great place to start.
Axis has a gift for helping parents, pastors, and leaders understand what’s really going on in the lives of teens and young adults—from a place of grace, insight, and biblical grounding. So, I did a deep dive into the topic, pulling information from Axis and other solid sources, and what came back was so helpful that I wanted to share a quick summary here for anyone else who’s trying to navigate this digital world with the next generation.
Here’s a brief but powerful snapshot of what I found:
The Big Picture: Phones, Pressure, and the Next Generation
1. The Problem:
Smartphones are everywhere—95% of teens have one. But behind the convenience lies a troubling pattern: anxiety, depression, sleep loss, and social withdrawal are rising among youth—and all are linked to excessive phone use.
2. Why It’s Happening:
The root causes go deeper than “just put it down.” Social media is designed to be addictive, triggering dopamine highs and FOMO. Cultural norms pressure teens to be “always on.” Their phones are more than entertainment—they’re maps, wallets, calendars, and social lifelines. Take it away, and it can feel like cutting them off from modern life itself.
3. How They React to Criticism:
Teens often agree that phones are a problem—but they don’t like being shamed. Accusations like “you’re addicted” usually backfire. What they want is respect and understanding, not lectures. In fact, many teens are quietly desperate for balance but don’t know how to break free from the scroll.
4. What We Can Do:
This is where it gets hopeful. The report offers five values-based, practical solutions:
Model healthy tech use (teens notice more than we think)
Keep open, empathetic conversations going
Create offline rhythms together (family meals, tech-free zones)
Offer fulfilling alternatives that meet the same emotional needs
Build trust and accountability through love, not control
5. The Heart of It All:
Smartphone overuse isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a relational one. Connection, empathy, and long-term discipleship are the real antidotes. With patience and consistent love, we can guide young people to use technology wisely without letting it rule their lives.
If you want to read the full report or share it with someone, I’ve made it available as a free PDF download below.
