In today’s always-online world, social media is a huge part of teen life, especially here in St. George, where technology connects us across schools, sports teams, youth groups, and even church communities. But while Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube can be fun and help teens stay connected, they can also have a big impact on mental health.
At All About You Therapy Services, we’ve seen how social media can boost confidence or chip away at it. That’s why we’re passionate about helping teens and families learn how to use it in a way that supports emotional well-being, not harm it.
The Mental Health Side of Social Media
Let’s be real: social media can feel overwhelming.
Here are some of the most common struggles we hear from teens in St. George:
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Constant comparison — “Everyone else’s life looks perfect, but mine doesn’t.”
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FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) — Seeing friends hanging out without you or doing things you weren’t invited to.
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Pressure to perform — Feeling like you always need to post, get likes, or go viral.
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Cyberbullying — Hurtful comments, exclusion, or rumors shared online.
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Losing track of time — Scrolling for hours, missing sleep, or falling behind in school.
These experiences can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, isolation, and poor sleep, all things we help teens work through in therapy.
Why It Matters Here in St. George
St. George offers so many amazing ways to connect offline, from hiking in Snow Canyon, to local youth events, to community sports. But with the extreme heat or long school days, many teens spend a lot of time indoors… and on their phones.
Being online too much can start to replace real-life connections and experiences. When that happens, mental health can suffer.
7 Ways to Create a Healthier Relationship with Social Media
Here are a few therapist-approved tips that can help you (or your teen) find a better balance:
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Track your screen time
Most phones let you see how much time you spend on each app. Try noticing how you feel before and after long scrolling sessions. -
Unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good
If someone’s posts make you feel worse about yourself, it’s okay to mute or unfollow them. Curate a feed that lifts you up. -
Create before you consume
Use your phone to express yourself (writing, art, music) — not just to scroll. This keeps you in control instead of just reacting. -
Take screen breaks
Step away from your phone during meals, homework, bedtime, or while out with friends. Try a “tech-free hour” each day. -
Talk about what you see
If something online bothers you, talk to a parent, therapist, or trusted adult. You don’t have to keep it all in your head. -
Connect with friends in real life
Texting is great, but face-to-face time with friends (even just walking at the park or grabbing a drink at Swig) helps fight loneliness. -
Follow positive accounts
There are great creators out there focused on mental health, positivity, motivation, and humor. Let your feed work for you!
How Therapy Can Help
If you’re a teen feeling overwhelmed by social media, or a parent worried about how it’s affecting your child, you’re not alone. Therapy is a safe space to explore how online life impacts emotions, confidence, and identity.
At All About You Therapy Services in St. George, we help teens:
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Set healthy boundaries with screens
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Build self-worth that isn’t based on likes or followers
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Learn coping skills for anxiety, stress, and FOMO
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Reconnect with real-life joys and relationships
Ready to Talk?
Whether you’re a teen who’s struggling or a parent who’s unsure how to help, we’re here to listen.
Based in St. George, Utah, we offer therapy for teens, children, and families, both in-person and via secure teletherapy (when appropriate). Let’s work together to build a more balanced, confident, and connected life, online and offline.
Social media is a tool, not your identity. You are more than your profile. And you deserve to feel good in your own skin, no filter required.
