LESSON WORKSHEETS
LESSON WORKSHEETS

Impact of Social Media On Teens' Mental Health

This lesson explores the impact of social media on teenage mental health. Through discussions, a reading exercise, vocabulary practice, and critical thinking activities, students will examine both the potential risks and benefits of social media use.

1 - Warm-Up

  1. How often do you use social media? Which platforms do you use the most?

  2. Do you think social media has a positive or negative effect on people’s mental health? Why?

  3. How do you feel after spending a long time on social media?

  4. What are some ways that social media can influence teenagers differently than adults?

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2 - Reading

"Many experts believe that social media plays a role in the current youth mental health crisis in America.

Some researchers argue that the rise in teen depression is linked to the increasing use of social media.

The adolescent brain is still developing, and social media engagement may have unexpected effects during this critical period.

However, proving that social media directly causes mental health issues is difficult because many other factors can also affect teenagers' well-being.

Studies show that between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of teen girls feeling persistent sadness increased by nearly 60%.

While some research finds no direct link between Facebook use and mental health problems, concerns remain, especially about younger users on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Tech companies claim they are taking measures to protect teens, but many experts believe more action is needed immediately."

Listen While You Read

3 - Comprehension

  1. What is the main concern regarding social media and mental health?

  2. Why is it difficult to prove that social media causes mental health issues?

  3. What happened to teen mental health between 2011 and 2021?

  4. Why is adolescence an important period for brain development?

  5. What actions are social media companies taking to protect teenagers?

4 - Vocabulary & Activity

  1. Mental health – a person’s emotional and psychological well-being

  2. Adolescent – a young person in the process of developing into an adult

  3. Engagement – participation or involvement in something

  4. Persistent – continuing for a long time

  5. Demographic – a group of people with shared characteristics

  6. Causality – the relationship between cause and effect

  7. Well-being – the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy

  8. Safeguard – to protect something from harm

  1. Many experts are concerned about the effect of social media on the __________ of teenagers.

  2. An __________ experiences many physical and emotional changes during puberty.

  3. Social media __________ can affect how people interact with the world around them.

  4. The increase in teen depression has been __________ over the past decade.

  5. A __________ study shows that young people are the most frequent users of social media platforms.

  6. Scientists struggle to prove __________ between social media use and mental health problems.

  7. Good sleep, exercise, and healthy eating all contribute to overall __________.

  8. Parents and educators must take steps to __________ young users from harmful online content.

Fill in the blanks with the vocabulary above.

5 - Wrap-up & Speaking Practice

  • Should there be age restrictions on social media use? Why or why not?

  • What can parents, schools, and governments do to help teenagers use social media responsibly?

  • Have you ever taken a break from social media? How did it make you feel?

  • What are some ways to use social media in a positive and healthy way?