Back to School: Teens + Social Media

Mabel Spritzer served as Kula for Karma's summer intern this year. She is a rising Senior at the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. 

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Mabel Spritzer

Being a teenager in 2025 means that social media plays a huge role in our everyday lives. Although social media offers connection and creativity, it can also bring negatives that impact our mental health. A lot of teens feel pressure to look perfect online, like an Instagram model, which can lower our self-esteem. Comparison is the thief of joy. On top of that, social media can be distracting and make it harder to focus on school, hobbies, or just being present with friends and family. But, instead of focusing on the negatives, we can use social media as a tool to share our creativity, support each other, and spread positivity. Block triggering social media accounts that bring you down, and always remember to keep your head up, stay true to yourself, and never let social media decide your worth. Limit screen time and take regular breaks to recharge your mind, follow accounts that inspire positivity, and prioritize real life connections and self-care to keep your mental health strong. 

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Back to School Anxiety Breathing Exercise: 

Box Breathing - Breathe in for 10 seconds, hold for 10 seconds, breathe out for 10 seconds, hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. 

Finger Breathing - Trace your fingers with your eyes, or your other hand. As you trace up a finger, breathe in. When you trace back down the same finger, breathe out. Repeat this for all 5 fingers.