The Impact of Social Media on Juvenile Crime and Behavior

In 2023, Gallup News released shocking survey data, finding that “teens spend an average of 4.8 Hours on social media per day.” Given the pervasiveness of social media—especially amongst young people—it is reasonable that parents are concerned. Here, our Stuart juvenile criminal defense lawyer dives more deeply into the impact of social media and juvenile crime.

The Worry: Parents are Understandably Concerned About Social Media

If you are a parent who is worried about your teenager’s social media use, you are not alone. Many parents are concerned about the influence of social media on their children’s behavior and their overall well-being. Indeed, the seemingly omnipresence of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat expose young people to a lot of information, including a lot of risks—from cyberbullying to exposure to inappropriate content to interactions with strangers who may have harmful intentions. Beyond that, the viral nature of online challenges and trends can encourage risky behaviors among impressionable teens.

Know the Research: The Impact of Social Media on Juvenile Crime

For parents in Florida, the concern about social media is entirely reasonable. You probably want to know whether or not it is well-founded. The answer is a little bit complicated. A lot of research is being conducted on social media use and juveniles. There is also a lot more research that still needs to be done. Here is an overview of some takeaways for parents:

• Viral Trends May Involve Actual Criminal Conduct: What goes viral on social media can have a big impact on the impressionable young people who view the content. Here is the problem: It is not uncommon for viral trends to involve some form of criminal conduct. As an example, there was a nationwide viral challenge in 2023 that encouraged students to steal or vandalize school property. That challenge led to many teenagers facing serious charges. It is one of many different examples.
• Frequent Exposure to Violence on Social Media May Cause Risk of Violence: One concern for parents is that young people are going to come across harmful content while on social media. A study cited by the Youth Violence Prevention Center found that “youth who view media violence on a regular basis are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior.” A report from PBS cites several law enforcement officers from across the country who believe that social media is playing a role in violent conflict amongst youth in their community.
• Social Media Has Been Linked to Adverse Mental Health Effects for Teenagers: Perhaps the strongest finding regarding social media and juvenile health is not directly related to criminal behavior at all. Many studies have found a link between frequent social media use and adverse mental health effects. As noted by Yale Medicine, three hours of social media use per day for 12- to 15-year-olds can increase the risk of anxiety and depression by more than 100 percent. A healthy relationship with social media can help to protect vulnerable young people from serious mental health issues.

An Overview of the Juvenile Justice System in Florida

Young people make mistakes. It is part of life. As a parent, you hope that your child will never make a mistake that puts them into the criminal justice system. However, if that does happen, they may have options available through Florida’s juvenile justice process. The juvenile justice system in Florida is designed to address the specific needs of youth offenders. It promotes rehabilitation over punishment. Administered by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the system handles cases involving individuals under 18 who are accused of violating the law.

When a juvenile is arrested, they may be released to a guardian or detained, depending on the severity of the offense and prior history. Navigating the juvenile justice system can be complicated. As a parent, it is normal to have a lot of questions. Denise Miller is a top-tier juvenile justice lawyer. Attorney Miller has the skills, knowledge, and legal experience to help teenagers take advantage of every option that is available to them so that their rights, freedom, and future are protected.

Contact Our Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer in Stuart, FL Today

At The Law Office of Denise Miller, PA, our juvenile defense lawyer provides solutions-focused guidance and support to teenagers and their families. Have any questions about a juvenile case? Call us now or contact us online to arrange a confidential initial appointment. From our Stuart office, we provide juvenile defense support in Martin County and throughout all of South Florida.