Article Title

Author Full Name; Seema Yadav; Latika Khullar

doi:10.63960/sp.2026.xxxx

Authors

Seema Yadav Department of Home Science, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India Author
Latika Khullar School of Continuing Education, IGNOU, Delhi, India Author

https://doi.org/10.63960/sp.2024.sijmds.1.2.19

Keywords:

Adolescents, Social Media, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Gender Difference

Abstract

This study examines the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, focusing on stress, anxiety, and depression while highlighting gender differences. In a hyper-connected world, social media has become integral to teen life, influencing identity and emotional well-being. A random sample of 120 adolescents (60 girls and 60 boys) from three prominent schools in Delhi—Kerala School, R.K. Puram; Kendriya Vidyalaya Sec. 8, R.K. Puram; and Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram—was assessed using the Pallavi Bhatnagar Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale. Employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the study revealed moderate levels of depression (39.2%) and anxiety (37.5%) among participants. Findings indicate that adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, with higher levels of mental distress linked to social media engagement, exacerbated by factors such as FOMO, excessive screen time, and cyberbullying. A strong correlation between stress and depression underscores the necessity for targeted interventions, particularly in stress management. The research advocates for age-specific, gender-sensitive mental health programmes in schools that address social pressures, body image issues, and academic stress. It emphasises the importance of parental involvement and the need for further investigation into the root causes of gender disparities in mental health outcomes. Overall, fostering healthier digital environments is essential for promoting adolescent well-being.

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Author Biographies

Seema Yadav, Department of Home Science, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India

Seema Yadav is an Indian researcher, scholar, and educational project fellow specializing in Home Science and Human Development. Affiliated with the Department of Home Science at the Institute of Integrated and Honors Studies (IIHS), Kurukshetra University in Haryana, her professional work focuses on child development, teacher training, and psychological guidance systems.

Competing Interests:
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Latika Khullar, School of Continuing Education, IGNOU, Delhi, India

Latika Khullar is an Indian educational researcher, academic, and doctoral scholar specializing in educational studies and disability justice. Her research critically examines social inequalities, the moral economy of welfare, disability rights, and the educational challenges faced by marginalized communities in India. She is currently a puruing is master degree M.Sc. Family Counselling and Therapy, IGNOU in New Delhi.

Competing Interests:
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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Social Media and Adolescents: Exploring Links to Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

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