Characterization of the impact of social networks in the mental health of children and adolescents

Authors

Abstract

Introduction: In the digital age in which we live, social networks have become an integral part of the lives of children and adolescents, transforming the way they communicate, interact and relate to the world around them.

Objective: To determine the impact of social networks in the mental health of children and adolescents at CMF 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez of September 2023 - 2024 

Material and methods: A descriptive study was carried out in adolescents belonging to the office Medical 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez In the period of September 2023 - 2024. The Universe was comprised of 200 adolescent patients of the medical office during the investigation period and the sample for the total number of infants over 10 years 115 that is They corresponded with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The descriptive statistic was used and the results were presented in statistical tables and graphs. 

Results: It was revealed that female sex predominated among patients, representing 56.5% with 65 cases, and adolescents from 16 to 18 years of age were the largest group, with 48 participants, that is, 41.7%. In addition, it was observed that 60.0% of adolescents used social networks every day, with 32.1% reporting anxiety manifestations and 34.5% expressing feelings of sadness, happiness and / or anxiety in relation to these platforms. 

Conclusions: These findings suggest the need to implement intervention strategies that address both the use of social networks and their impact on the mental health of young people. 

Keywords: social networks; Children; Adolescents; Mental health.

Author Biographies

Mayelin Santiesteban Fernández , UCMHo Mariana Grajales Cuello

Introduction: In the digital age in which we live, social networks have become an integral part of the lives of children and adolescents, transforming the way they communicate, interact and relate to the world around them.

Objective: To determine the impact of social networks in the mental health of children and adolescents at CMF 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez of September 2023 - 2024 

Material and methods: A descriptive study was carried out in adolescents belonging to the office Medical 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez In the period of September 2023 - 2024. The Universe was comprised of 200 adolescent patients of the medical office during the investigation period and the sample for the total number of infants over 10 years 115 that is They corresponded with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The descriptive statistic was used and the results were presented in statistical tables and graphs. 

Results: It was revealed that female sex predominated among patients, representing 56.5% with 65 cases, and adolescents from 16 to 18 years of age were the largest group, with 48 participants, that is, 41.7%. In addition, it was observed that 60.0% of adolescents used social networks every day, with 32.1% reporting anxiety manifestations and 34.5% expressing feelings of sadness, happiness and / or anxiety in relation to these platforms. 

Conclusions: These findings suggest the need to implement intervention strategies that address both the use of social networks and their impact on the mental health of young people. 

Keywords: social networks; Children; Adolescents; Mental health.

Maylin Fernández Santiesteban , UCMHo Mariana Grajales Cuello

Introduction: In the digital age in which we live, social networks have become an integral part of the lives of children and adolescents, transforming the way they communicate, interact and relate to the world around them.

Objective: To determine the impact of social networks in the mental health of children and adolescents at CMF 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez of September 2023 - 2024 

Material and methods: A descriptive study was carried out in adolescents belonging to the office Medical 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez In the period of September 2023 - 2024. The Universe was comprised of 200 adolescent patients of the medical office during the investigation period and the sample for the total number of infants over 10 years 115 that is They corresponded with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The descriptive statistic was used and the results were presented in statistical tables and graphs. 

Results: It was revealed that female sex predominated among patients, representing 56.5% with 65 cases, and adolescents from 16 to 18 years of age were the largest group, with 48 participants, that is, 41.7%. In addition, it was observed that 60.0% of adolescents used social networks every day, with 32.1% reporting anxiety manifestations and 34.5% expressing feelings of sadness, happiness and / or anxiety in relation to these platforms. 

Conclusions: These findings suggest the need to implement intervention strategies that address both the use of social networks and their impact on the mental health of young people. 

Keywords: social networks; Children; Adolescents; Mental health.

Mariliam Martínez Igarza , UCMHo Mariana Grajales Cuello

Introduction: In the digital age in which we live, social networks have become an integral part of the lives of children and adolescents, transforming the way they communicate, interact and relate to the world around them.

Objective: To determine the impact of social networks in the mental health of children and adolescents at CMF 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez of September 2023 - 2024 

Material and methods: A descriptive study was carried out in adolescents belonging to the office Medical 10 of the Polyclinic Mario Gutiérrez In the period of September 2023 - 2024. The Universe was comprised of 200 adolescent patients of the medical office during the investigation period and the sample for the total number of infants over 10 years 115 that is They corresponded with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The descriptive statistic was used and the results were presented in statistical tables and graphs. 

Results: It was revealed that female sex predominated among patients, representing 56.5% with 65 cases, and adolescents from 16 to 18 years of age were the largest group, with 48 participants, that is, 41.7%. In addition, it was observed that 60.0% of adolescents used social networks every day, with 32.1% reporting anxiety manifestations and 34.5% expressing feelings of sadness, happiness and / or anxiety in relation to these platforms. 

Conclusions: These findings suggest the need to implement intervention strategies that address both the use of social networks and their impact on the mental health of young people. 

Keywords: social networks; Children; Adolescents; Mental health.

References

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Published

2025-07-03

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1.
Santiesteban Fernández M, Fernández Santiesteban M, Martínez Igarza M. Characterization of the impact of social networks in the mental health of children and adolescents . Rev. cient. estud. HolCien [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 3 [cited 2025 Jul. 6];6:e465. Available from: https://revholcien.sld.cu/index.php/holcien/article/view/465

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Vol. 6 (2025): Publicación continua

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mayelin Santiesteban Fernández , Maylin Fernández Santiesteban , Mariliam Martínez Igarza

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Centro Provincial de Información de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín. Cuba.

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