Social media has been blamed for increasing the risk of children suffering from mental health issues.
Research shows the earlier youngsters start on social media platforms, the more severe the mental health impact.
Anxiety, stress and self-esteem can all be increased by use of social media, reveals the Bupa UK report into the mental wellbeing of teens.
The average child now starts using social media from the age of 12, and reports claim early access to platforms is linked to greater levels of irritability, depression, anxiousness, low self-esteem and depression.
All main recognised mental ill-health symptoms are significantly more common among teenage social media users compared to non-users.
This is worrying for parents, given the first social accounts are opened at age 12 on average, with nearly one in five starting at age 10 or earlier.
Nearly half of all teens using social media admitted to lying about their age to create a social profile and 27 per cent have an account their parents don’t know about, according to the research.
Dr Pablo Vandenabeele, clinical director for mental health at Bupa UK, says: “It’s really tough for parents these days to protect their child from things that could harm their mental health.
Even restricting ‘screen time’ or specific social media might not be enough, and our findings suggest some social platforms can significantly drive up anxiety and stress, especially if the child starts on them at a young age."
"We’ve produced a guide for parents to learn more, but we know that for a child struggling with poor mental health, an early diagnosis and fast access to support can help aid their recovery and the long-term management of their condition."