The Surprising Impact of TikTok on Student Mental Health and How School Psychologists Can Help

With over 1 billion active users, TikTok has become a dominant force in shaping how young people interact, learn, and express themselves. Yet, its rapid rise has brought both opportunities and challenges for today’s students.  

For school psychologists, understanding the nuances of TikTok’s impact on mental health is crucial to providing guidance and support—especially in a digital-first generation.  

This blog explores how TikTok influences student mental health and offers actionable strategies for school psychologists to address these emerging concerns.  

Search School Psychologist Jobs

TikTok's Role in the Lives of Students  

The Good  

TikTok isn’t all dance challenges and lip-syncing videos; it’s also a platform where students find connection, inspiration, and education. For many teens, creating and consuming content allows them to express themselves authentically while building a sense of community around niche interests.  

  • Breaking Stigmas: Mental health topics thrive on TikTok, with creators normalizing conversations around anxiety, depression, and self-care. Hashtags like #MentalHealthAwareness have accrued billions of views, offering students validation and empathy. 
  • Creative Outlets: TikTok’s short-form format encourages creativity, providing an outlet that boosts self-confidence and innovation. 
  • Accessible Education: From study tips to mindfulness techniques, students can gain skills to tackle daily pressures. 

The Not-So-Good  

However, the platform isn’t without its drawbacks. Prolonged screen time and certain content can intensify pre-existing mental health concerns.  

  • Comparison Culture: Scrolling through curated, highlight-reel content can leave students feeling inadequate, leading to low self-esteem and body image issues. 
  • Overexposure: The abundance of unregulated mental health advice on TikTok means students might encounter misinformation or oversimplified solutions to complex issues. 
  • Addictive Design: TikTok’s endless scroll and preference algorithms can result in significant screen time, disrupting sleep patterns and amplifying anxiety. 

4 Practical Tips for School Psychologists  

1. Be Proactive About Digital Literacy  

School psychologists should educate students about healthy social media habits. Encourage conversations about critical thinking when it comes to online advice, setting boundaries with screen time, and cultivating a positive online experience. Consider working with educators to implement digital wellness workshops.  

2. Incorporate TikTok’s Positive Elements in Practice  

Why not channel TikTok’s strengths into your work? Introduce trend-based mental health discussions, or use engaging content formats to bridge the gap with students. For instance, share resources like mindfulness videos or peer-inspired coping strategies during counseling sessions.  

3. Focus on Open Conversations  

Many students are more comfortable talking about TikTok trends than they are about their health. Use their familiarity with the platform to segue into deeper discussions about emotional well-being, resilience, and social pressures.  

4. Partner With Parents and Teachers  

Keep parents and educators looped in on the potential impacts of TikTok. Provide resources to help set boundaries and encourage balance in students’ lives, from limiting screen time to promoting in-person activities.  

See Also
Effective Communication with Parents: Tips for Traveling School Psychologists

 

Find Rewarding School Psychologist Opportunities  

Supporting students through the challenges of TikTok’s influence calls for skilled, empathetic school psychologists who can make a difference. If you’re a travel school psychologist or looking for school psych jobs, AMN Healthcare offers flexible, well-supported career opportunities.  

Explore how you can empower students while advancing your career.  

Apply Now

 

Latest News

Take the first step to starting your new career.

Authorized to work in the US? *
Job Type Interest *
Have you been on an Interim engagement with AMN before? *
Are you currently employed or on an active Interim engagement? *

How much notice would you have to give? *

How much notice would you have to give? *

What date are you available to start an Interim engagement? *

What date are you available to start an Interim engagement? *

* Indicates Required Fields

 

I agree to receive emails, automated text messages and phone calls (including calls that contain prerecorded content) from and on behalf of AMN Healthcare, and affiliates. {{show_more}} I understand these messages will be to the email or phone number provided, and will be about employment opportunities, positions in which I’ve been placed, and my employment with AMN companies. See privacy policy or cookie policy for more details.

* Indicates Required Fields

 

I agree to receive emails, automated text messages and phone calls (including calls that contain prerecorded content) from and on behalf of AMN Healthcare, and affiliates. {{show_more}} I understand these messages will be to the email or phone number provided, and will be about employment opportunities, positions in which I’ve been placed, and my employment with AMN companies. See privacy policy or cookie policy for more details.

Complete Your Application!
Continue to NurseFinders to complete your application and profile.