Early Social Media Use Linked to Youth Mental Health Struggles

Experts warn parents to start conversations early to prevent crisis situations

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:08pm

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A ghostly, translucent x-ray image revealing the intricate neural structures inside a child's head, conveying the fragility and complexity of the young mind.An x-ray view into the developing mind of a child, highlighting the delicate neural connections that can be impacted by early social media exposure.Joplin Today

Despite a decline in youth suicide rates, mental health experts in Joplin, Missouri are concerned about the impact of early social media exposure on children's wellbeing. Melissa Moore of the Ozarks Center Will's Place says interactive platforms like TikTok and Snapchat can lead kids to imitate behaviors they see online, contributing to mental health issues. Moore advises parents to start open conversations about social media use early, before problems reach a crisis point.

Why it matters

Youth mental health remains a significant concern, even as overall suicide rates have declined. Experts say early exposure to social media can negatively impact children's wellbeing, making proactive parental guidance crucial to preventing serious mental health crises.

The details

Melissa Moore, the director of Joplin's Ozarks Center Will's Place, says she is seeing more and more young children using interactive social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. This exposure can lead children to imitate behaviors they see online, which can then contribute to mental health struggles. Moore emphasizes the importance of parents starting open conversations about social media use early, rather than waiting until issues reach a crisis point.

  • Despite a decline in suicide rates, experts say youth mental health remains a concern.

The players

Melissa Moore

The director of Ozarks Center Will's Place in Joplin, Missouri, who specializes in youth mental health.

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What they’re saying

“It takes a little investigating as parents, and I really feel like there's no age too early to really be starting those conversations.”

— Melissa Moore, Ozarks Center Will's Place Director

“We don't practice fire drill protocols when the fire is happening. You want to start those conversations early and create that opening where children can come to you and say this made me uncomfortable, or I had this experience today.”

— Melissa Moore, Ozarks Center Will's Place Director

What’s next

Moore said parents and guardians with questions or concerns can contact Will's Place for additional information and support.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of proactive parental guidance around children's social media use, as early exposure can contribute to mental health struggles. By starting open conversations early, parents can help prevent serious issues from developing and ensure kids have a safe space to discuss their experiences.