How TikTok Affects Teen Mental Health

Social media is a big part of teenagers’ lives today, especially apps like TikTok. While it can be fun and creative, it can also affect mental health in different ways.

In this WebQuest, students will explore how TikTok impacts teens both positively and negatively. Students will analyze how social media influences emotions, behavior, and self-image.

Students will work in groups to create a PowerPoint presentation explaining how TikTok affects teen mental health.

Each group will:

• Explain positive effects
• Explain negative effects
• Give real-life examples
• Provide solutions for safer social media use

Step 1:

Students will be placed into groups of 3–4.

Step 2 (Roles):

Each student will have a role:

• Researcher – finds information online
• Writer – organizes information
• Designer – creates slides
• Presenter – presents to class

Step 3:

Students will research using these links:

• https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet
• https://www.pewresearch.org
• https://www.commonsensemedia.org

Step 4:

Students will answer:

• How does TikTok affect mental health?
• What are the benefits?
• What are the risks?

Step 5:

Create a 5–7 slide PowerPoint

Total: 100 points

In this activity, students learned how social media can impact mental health in both positive and negative ways. Understanding these effects helps students make better choices when using platforms like TikTok.

Extension Activity:

Students can track their screen time for one week and reflect on how it affects their mood.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/screen-time

The following resources were used to develop this WebQuest:

• American Psychological Association. “Social Media and Mental Health.” https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet
• Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org
• Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org

Grade Level:

Middle School or High School (Grades 7–10)

Subject Area:

Health / Psychology / Social Studies

Time Required:

1–2 class periods (45–60 minutes each)

Learning Objectives:

Students will:

• Analyze how social media affects teen mental health
• Identify both positive and negative effects of TikTok
• Evaluate ways to use social media more responsibly

(Bloom’s: Analyze and Evaluate)

Standards (Florida):

This lesson aligns with Florida standards related to:

• Mental and emotional health awareness
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Digital citizenship

Materials Needed:

• Computer or tablet with internet access
• PowerPoint or Google Slides
• Projector (for presentations)

Instructions for Teachers:

• Divide students into small groups
• Assign roles (researcher, writer, designer, presenter)
• Guide students through the WebQuest steps
• Monitor group progress and assist when needed
• Have students present their projects at the end

Assessment:

Students will be graded using the rubric provided in the Evaluation section based on:

• Content accuracy
• Participation
• Organization
• Creativity
• Presentation