Why you should read this article:

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To increase your understanding of how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and social media may affect young people’s mental health

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To enhance your ability to talk with young people about mental health issues

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To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)

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To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

There are growing concerns about the mental health and well-being of young people, including how these have been negatively affected by factors such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and social media. Community nurses are in an ideal position to promote positive mental health and ensure timely referral to appropriate services to enable young people to access the support they need. This article explores how the pandemic and social media have affected young people’s mental health, particularly in relation to anxiety. It also explains how nurses can discuss these issues with young people and their parents or guardians.