It’s a parent’s worst nightmare; instead of sleeping on time, your teenager is on social media—Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat—during all hours of the night. But is it just harmless fun or is there something more dangerous lurking beneath the surface?

• Look out for a diminished interest in activities that were previously enjoyable or rewarding, changes in routine to accommodate Facebook use, online socializing, excessive posting, and an increased need to have an online presence.
• If the social media times are becoming stressful or excessive in terms of time. If it’s interfering with day-to-day interaction or routine.
• Excessive involvement in social media where it distracts from attention and achievement in different life areas and satisfaction in the long run can lead to a lack of human bonding and relationships.
• Being extremely involved in anything can be toxic and may hinder development and growth in other areas.  
• Some children/teenagers never learn real life social cues and end up missing out on social etiquette.
• Sometimes there is accompanying social anxiety as these individuals are in the habit of online socializing.

(Credit: Devika Singh, Psychologist in The Dubai Herbal and Treatment Center)