Social Media and Pediatric Mental Health, An Issue of Pediatric Clinics of North America

In this issue of Pediatric Clinics of North America, guest editors Drs. Paul E. Weigel and Erin Lechner Belfort provide a comprehensive exploration of Social Media and Pediatric Mental Health. Drawing on current research and clinical expertise, the issue examines how social media habits and interactions impact children and adolescents’ mental health, both positively and negatively, and how pediatricians can evaluate and address these effects in practice. Topics include social media mental health contagion, digital distraction, integration of social media use into mental health assessments, social anxiety, and more. Each chapter synthesizes the latest evidence and guidelines into practical, actionable insights for clinicians caring for youth in the digital age.

Key Features:

• Covers 14 practice-oriented topics on social media and pediatric mental health
• Explores both positive and negative impacts of social media on children and adolescents
• Includes guidance on incorporating social media use into mental health evaluations
• Addresses social anxiety, digital distraction, and mental health contagion
• Provides evidence-based reviews and actionable clinical recommendations
• Synthesizes current research and guidelines for pediatric mental health practitioners