Opinion: Social media is not the only one failing teens

A study done by Pew Research Center found that 59% of US teens have been bullied or harassed online. — Dreamstime/TNS

It’s no secret that social media is taking a toll on teenagers, especially girls. Filters and photo editing create the facade of a seemingly perfect life and put an emphasis on unrealistic beauty standards and constant comparison. This often leads to decreased self-esteem and to body image concerns.

Having the ability to post, comment and share anonymously gives rise to bullying and rumors spreading at the touch of a button. A study done by Pew Research Center found that 59% of US teens have been bullied or harassed online. Even more stark is the association between social media and poor mental health among adolescents.