How Parents Influence Teen Behavior on TikTok

Research Finds Screen-Time Rules at Home Benefit Teen Well-Being

According to the Pew Research Center (2024), nine out of ten teenagers in the U.S. use at least one social media platform, with nearly half reporting that they are “online almost constantly.” Previous research has linked social media use to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in adolescents (Hamilton et al., 2023; Shannon et al., 2022). However, a recent meta-analysis by Ferguson et al. (2024), which reviewed multiple studies on this topic, concluded that the existing research does not provide strong evidence that social media use directly causes mental health issues in teens. The relationship remains complex. While some studies have found associations between social media and teen well-being, the overall findings are inconsistent and inconclusive (Sequeira et al., 2025).

Given these concerns, it’s no surprise that many parents are worried about their children’s mental health in the digital era. Over half (55%) of parents say they are extremely or very concerned about teens’ mental health today, and 44% specifically attribute these concerns to social media (Pew Research Center, 2024). In contrast, many teenagers view social media as beneficial, saying it helps them connect socially and express their creativity. This contrast raises a key question: How can parents help teens experience the benefits of social media while protecting them from its potential harms?

Emerging research suggests that parents can play a crucial role in shaping their children’s digital habits and reducing the risks linked with social media. Scientists are now exploring how different parenting strategies affect adolescents' screen use and which practices are most effective in today’s digital world.

A recent study by Nagata et al. (2025) revealed that higher screen use by parents, use of devices during family meals, and access to screens in the bedroom were all linked to increased teen screen time and problematic social media behavior. These results suggest that when parents frequently use screens themselves or allow screen use during meals or bedtime, it may contribute to unhealthy habits in their children.

On the other hand, the same study found that parental supervision and limits on screen time were associated with lower overall usage and fewer social media-related issues among teens. This underscores the important role parents play in guiding their children’s digital behavior.

So, what can parents do to support their teens' healthy media habits? Experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend the following:

• Create a family media plan: Set clear guidelines about screen-free times, especially during meals and bedtime and have open conversations with your teen about why these boundaries matter.

• Collaborate with your teen: Co-develop screen-time rules rather than enforcing them unilaterally. Research suggests that proactive involvement is more effective than reactive discipline (Vossen et al., 2024).

• Avoid using screens as a reward or punishment: Adolescents are seeking autonomy. Over-controlling strategies can be counterproductive and may lead to resistance or secrecy.

• Focus on warmth and connection: Show consistent affection, responsiveness, and support. Research shows that positive parenting practices are more protective against problematic social media use than strict control alone (Vossen et al., 2024).

  
  

While these strategies offer useful guidance, this field of research is still developing. Questions remain about the long-term impact of parenting styles on adolescent screen use and whether routines vary significantly between weekdays and weekends. Furthermore, social media's effects are often individualized, its influence varies between teens and can shift over time (Beyens et al., 2020; Pouwels et al., 2024).

Even so, these insights offer valuable direction for families seeking to foster healthier digital habits and reduce the potential risks social media poses for teen mental health.