Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, a time when young people are exploring who they are and where they fit into the world. This process of identity formation plays an important role in mental health: people with a strong sense of identity tend to have greater self-esteem and overall well-being. Youth today can now explore their identity in different ways than they have in the past, with social media and technology playing a major role in their lives. This blog will explore some of the challenges adolescents currently face when it comes to identity formation, and how can we encourage them to develop a strong and positive sense of self.

The Role of Social Media in Adolescent Identity Development

Social media offers increased opportunities for adolescents to connect with others and express themselves. It also comes with risks – the way teens interact with and consume online content can have a negative impact their mental health. For instance, adolescents who frequently compare themselves to others on social media are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. This “culture of comparison” can contribute to a negative self-image, making it harder for young people to develop a healthy sense of identity.

Adolescents are especially sensitive to the approval of their peers and may be more emotionally affected by rejection. A single post or negative comment can feel like a major hit to their self-esteem. Their heightened sensitivity makes them more vulnerable to the potentially harmful aspects of social media use, namely cyberbullying.

How Cyberbullying Affects Youth Self-Image

Cyberbullying is a pervasive and ever-growing issue. Because it can easily happen from anywhere at any time, it can leave victims feeling trapped and powerless. Research shows that adolescents who are cyberbullied are more likely to experience loneliness, depression, anxiety, and even physical symptoms, such as headaches or nausea.

Cyberbullying can also impact identity formation. When teens are bullied based on an aspect of their identity, it can deeply affect how they view themselves. These experiences can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and a negative sense of self. Youth who are bullied online are also more likely to bully others, leading to a continuous cycle of harm.

At Stigma-Free Mental Health Society, we understand that the most effective way to address bullying is to prevent it before it starts. Our no-cost programs and resources are designed to create safe, supportive environments for youth, both online and offline.

How Stigma-Free Mental Health Society Can Help

We are committed to helping caregivers, school counsellors, and educators support young people to navigate these challenges effectively. In our Student Mental Health Toolkit, you’ll find valuable resources you can use to teach youth about mental health, personal identity, stigma, and more. Our Toolkit is available at no cost and packed with strategies for addressing issues like cyberbullying, harmful social media use, and mental health concerns.

Our Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers offer guidance for caregivers who are concerned about their youth’s mental health and might not know the best way to approach them about this topic. Educators can access lesson plans and activities that improve mental health awareness and encourage an empathetic, inclusive classroom environment. Children and teens themselves will find educational resources, including tips for healthy social media use and how to deal with various forms of bullying.

Our Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations provide an interactive platform to discuss mental health in depth. Delivered by trained speakers who have lived experience with stigma and mental health challenges, these presentations inspire students to be confident in their identity and accept themselves and others. Our presenters visit schools virtually or in-person to provide mental health education for students.

Promoting Healthy Identity Formation

In addition to our no-cost toolkit and virtual presentations, here are some strategies you can use today to help adolescents build a positive sense of self and care for their mental health:

• Encourage mindful social media use

Talk to teens about how they interact with online content. Encourage them to follow accounts that inspire and uplift them, rather than ones that trigger comparison or negative feelings. Think of social media as a place for inspiration and connection, not comparison.

• Communicate openly about mental health

Create a safe, accepting space for students and youth to share their feelings with you. Check out our blog on Discussing Mental Health with Teens and our resources on Talking to Your Child About Mental Health for tips on how to approach these conversations with adolescents.

• Celebrate diversity

Teach youth to appreciate and respect differences in themselves and others. Highlighting the value of unique identities can help counteract the stigma and discrimination that oftentimes fuels bullying.

• Address cyberbullying proactively

Educate teens about the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of kindness online. Encourage them to report bullying in a way they are comfortable with and offer support to peers who may be struggling.

A Shared Responsibility

While adolescence comes with challenges and confusion, it is also an exciting period of growth and discovery. As caregivers, counsellors, educators, and community members, we all have a role to play in supporting young people through this journey. By addressing these challenges and educating adolescents on mental health and stigma, we can help them build the strong, positive identities they need for a lifetime of well-being. To learn more about our charity’s no-cost resources and how we can support your community, check out our Stigma-Free School Program.

References

Akgül, G., & Artar, M. (2020). Cyberbullying: relationship with developmental variables and cyber victimization. Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, 8(1), 25–37.

Avci, H., Baams, L., & Kretschmer, T. (2024). A systematic review of social media use and adolescent identity development. Adolescent Research Review.

Hardy, S. A., Francis, S. W., Zamboanga, B. L., Kim, S. Y., Anderson, S. G., & Forthun, L. F. (2012). The roles of identity formation and Moral Identity in college student Mental Health, Health‐risk Behaviors, and Psychological Well‐Being. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(4), 364–382.

Nixon, C. (2014). Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolescent Health Medicine and Therapeutics, 143.

Author: Monique Zizzo