Social Media Isn’t Science: Helping Teens Navigate Contraception

It’s no secret that teenagers spend a lot of time on their phones. Teens spend nearly five hours a day on social media, and while it’s a great way to connect with friends, it’s also where they’re getting a lot of their information—including about contraception.

The problem? Much of what they’re seeing online isn’t true. Social media influencers might seem trustworthy, but they’re not healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, some of the inaccurate information they spread can leave teens confused and misinformed when it comes to sexual health.

Clearing Up the Confusion

Let’s clear up a few things teens may be scrolling through about contraception:

• Fact: Research shows hormonal birth control has minimal effects on mood for most people. It’s always worth discussing individual concerns with a doctor, but for most, this claim simply doesn’t hold up.
• Fact: Studies haven’t found a direct link between most birth control methods and significant weight changes. If you’re concerned about gaining weight, speak with your medical provider about which options are best for you.
• Fact: There’s no evidence that birth control causes long-term fertility issues. Once a person stops using it, their fertility typically returns to normal pretty quickly.
• Fact: Birth control methods are designed to be stopped when you’re ready—whether it’s the pill, an IUD, or any other option.

When teens don’t have access to accurate information, inaccurate information can fuel unnecessary fear, preventing them from taking action to properly protect themselves. As adults they look up to, we have the power to step in and help them separate fact from fiction.

How to Guide Teens Toward Accurate Resources

It can feel intimidating to talk to teens about contraception—but trust us, it’s worth it. Here’s how you can start:

1. Share Resources

Point your teen toward trustworthy sources like:

• Healthcare providers: Encourage them to talk with their doctor or a medical provider. You can find more information about this HERE.
• Trusted websites: Look for sites that provide evidence-based information. The three letters at the end of the site’s domain name, such as “edu” (educational) or “org” (nonprofit), will help you determine whether information is from a trusted site.
• School programs: If their school offers comprehensive sex education, ask what’s being taught and fill in any gaps at home.

2. Help Them Spot Red Flags Online

Teach your teen how to recognize misinformation. A few tips:

• Check the source: Is the person sharing the info a medical professional?
• Question claims: If it sounds too extreme to be true, it probably is.
• Look for evidence: Reliable information often links to studies or credible organizations. (Look for links to research or sites that end in .org, .edu, or .net. Also, make sure the author knows their stuff—experts with real experience that are trustworthy!)

Did you know 10% of U.S. adults have knowingly shared fake news on social media? *Source: Statistica

3. Start the Conversation

Talking about contraception doesn’t have to be awkward. Here are some ways to ease into it:

• Ask what they know: “I saw something online about inaccurate information shared about birth control. Have you ever heard about that?”
• Share reliable facts: “Did you know there’s no evidence that birth control causes infertility?”
• Keep it open-ended: “If you ever have questions about this stuff, I’m here to talk—or we can set up a time to chat with your doctor.”

4. Encourage Informed Choices

Reassure your teen that contraception is a personal decision. The goal is to make choices based on accurate information—not fear or misinformation. Avoid pushing them into a choice. This can create a feeling of shame or even lead to rebellion, where they may resist using contraception altogether.

Instead, focusing on open conversations that empower them to make confident and informed decisions for their health.

Partnering With Your Teen’s Healthcare Provider

One of the best ways to support your teen is to encourage them to have honest conversations with a medical provider. Healthcare professionals are experts at explaining options, answering questions, and addressing concerns.

You can even help your teen prepare for their appointment by writing down questions they want to ask, like:

• “What are the different types of birth control?”
• “What are the side effects?”
• “What’s the most effective method for me?” 

To find a provider near you, visit our website.

Let’s Recap

The world of social media can be overwhelming for everyone. But you can help your teen find reliable information, and make confident, informed decisions about their sexual health.

Remember: You don’t have to have all the answers. Just being there to listen, support, and point them toward resources can make all the difference.

For more tips and trusted information about contraception, Get The Facts.

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