The Influence of Social Media on Teen Behavior – Dr. Timothy Jeider Talks Teen Takeovers on NBC News 3
Teen social media use is at an all-time high, and with it comes new challenges—including the rise of large-scale disturbances known as “takeovers.” In a recent NBC News 3 Las Vegas segment, Dr. Timothy Jeider, a psychiatrist at Nevada Mental Health, shared his expert perspective on how social media fuels mob mentality among teens.
During spring break, Las Vegas police responded to multiple incidents involving large groups of teenagers swarming public places, including the Meadows Mall and Circus Circus. According to Dr. Jeider, many of these teen takeovers escalate due to social media posts encouraging participation and spreading misinformation.
“If you were to ever be able to hit the pause button and just check in individually, a lot of times people would say, ‘Hey, I don’t think that’s what I would be doing.’ But there is no pause button for these kids, particularly in the moment,” Dr. Jeider explained.
The adrenaline rush of being part of a viral moment, combined with peer pressure, can make it difficult for teens to make rational decisions. Dr. Jeider urges parents to be mindful of the amount of time their children spend on social media.
“If your kid spends eight hours on a phone every day, your phone’s raising your kid, not you,” he warned.
How Can Parents Help Against Teen Takeovers?
Dr. Jeider recommends that parents get involved in their teen’s social media time while finding a healthy balance between spying on them and not monitoring them at all. Here is what he recommends:
- Monitor social media usage – Set boundaries while fostering open discussions about online behavior.
- Encourage critical thinking – Teach kids to pause and reflect before engaging in trends.
- Prioritize family time – Ensure that real-life interactions outweigh screen time.
As social media continues to shape teen behavior, parental guidance is more important than ever. We also offer teen psychiatry for those who wish to pursue it. Watch the NBC News 3 interview featuring Dr. Timothy Jeider below:
For more mental health resources and support, visit Nevada Mental Health or contact us today.
