Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are social channels meant to keep people connected, engaged, and entertained. For adolescents growing up in the digital age in which social media has always existed, social media channels haven’t just become the norm – it’s a part of daily life.

Now that school is out and kids are on summer break, parents all over the nation worry about how their teens will spend all their free time. Some kids will keep themselves busy with summer jobs, volunteer work, travel, hobbies, and sports and most teens will likely be relaxing or having fun. But when they’ve run out of things to do or get bored, they may be quick to go out and with friends and find new activities.

The stigma surrounding mental health has long been a barrier to meaningful conversations about the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. But because of gender stereotypes, it’s even harder for men to talk about their mental and emotional health. From an early age, most men get taught that being masculine or a “real man” means not showing weakness. The result is generations of men who are embarrassed to display emotions such as sadness, insecurity, and fear.