Social media can be a powerful tool for increasing mental health awareness, but can also contain a plethora of mental health misinformation. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped normalize conversations about anxiety, depression, and therapy for many children. Your child might see posts encouraging self-care, sharing coping strategies, or telling personal stories, all of which can be a good thing.
Unfortunately, there’s another side to the story. Not everything online is accurate, and when it comes to mental health, misinformation can be harmful. A 2023 study found that over half of popular TikTok videos using the hashtag #mentalhealthtips were misleading. Many posts oversimplified complex conditions, misused therapy terms, or promoted self-diagnosis without encouraging professional help.
For kids and teens who are still developing critical thinking skills, this can create confusion, unnecessary worry, or hesitation to seek real support.
Why Oversimplification is a Problem
It’s not uncommon for short videos to reduce a complex disorder to a few bullet points. While this might grab attention, it can lead your child to believe that a normal emotional reaction is a sign of a serious diagnosis or that professional therapy isn’t needed because “the video gave them the tools.” In reality, mental health concerns often require personalized strategies from trained professionals.
How to Talk to Your Child About Mental Health Misinformation
- Start with curiosity. Ask open-ended questions like, “I’ve been hearing more about mental health on social media. What kinds of things do you notice people posting about?” This encourages conversation without judgment.
- Validate their interest. Acknowledge that learning about mental health is important and that it’s great they’re exploring the topic.
- Teach fact-checking skills. Show them how to verify information by looking at credible sources such as Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Health, or a local organization like The Village.
- Highlight the role of professionals. Explain that therapists are trained to tailor strategies to each person, something social media can’t do.
When to Seek Help
If your child seems anxious, withdrawn, or starts self-diagnosing without professional input, it may be time to connect with a counselor. At The Village Family Service Center, our licensed therapists work with children and teens to help them understand what they’re feeling, separate fact from fiction, and build healthy coping skills.
Social media can start meaningful conversations, but it shouldn’t be the only voice your child hears about mental health. If you’re concerned about what your child is seeing online, mental health misinformation, or how it’s affecting them, we’re here to help.
Contact The Village today to schedule an appointment and give your child the tools they need to navigate both their emotions and the online world.
