As many parents know, technology and social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it connects us, entertains us, and gives us a window into the world. On the other hand, it can be a constant source of pressure, unhealthy comparison, and even harm — especially for impressionable young people. No one understands this better than Zoe Anderson, and as the 2025 Miss Dallas Teen, she’s made it her mission to spread awareness about the dark side of social media and how it can impact mental health.
In this interview, Zoe opens up about her own experiences —including with Bark! — the dangers kids are really facing online these days, and what parents need to know to help keep their children safe. Her insights are powerful, eye-opening, and a reminder that with the right tools and knowledge, social media doesn’t have to be so overwhelming.
How do you think social media affects the mental health of young people?
Social media has a nearly always negative impact on young people’s mental health. It constantly surrounds us with negativity, whether it is unrealistic beauty standards, toxic trends, or the pressure to always appear perfect. One of the most damaging aspects of social media is how it encourages comparison. We are always seeing the best, most filtered versions of people’s lives, and it makes it so easy to feel like we are not good enough. That kind of comparison is exhausting and can deeply affect self-esteem and overall mental health.
If you could tell parents one thing about raising kids in the modern age, what would it be?
Parents need to be aware of what their children are watching. Kids under the age of thirteen should not be on social media because they are at such a vulnerable stage where they are easily influenced. The internet is like the Wild West for children, and their curiosity will naturally lead them to click on anything that looks interesting. It’s not about invading privacy, but about protecting them from content they’re not emotionally ready to handle. Apps like Bark help parents monitor what their kids are being exposed to in a way that keeps them safer without completely taking away their freedom.
How has Bark impacted your life?
Bark helped my parents see the kind of content I was being exposed to — including content promoting eating disorders like anorexia, orthorexia, and bulimia. Because they became aware, they were able to step in and get me the help I needed before it got worse. It also alerted them when I was being cyberbullied in a Snapchat group chat. I had not told them what was happening, but once they saw it for themselves, they were able to intervene and support me. Having that protection made a huge difference in my life.
How have you used your Miss Dallas Teen platform to help other teens?
I’ve been able to use my platform to raise awareness about healthier ways to use social media. This includes setting time limits, curating feeds to promote positivity, and encouraging parents to use tools like Bark to help protect their children. Social media doesn’t have to be a toxic place, but it takes effort to create a safe and healthy space for ourselves.
How did having social media at a young age affect your life?
I was completely vulnerable to everything social media threw at me. I became convinced that being skinnier would make me happier because that’s what I constantly saw online. But even when I lost weight, I felt worse than ever. My mindset was at its lowest, and I hated my body more than before. Social media made me compare myself to everyone I saw, and it took a long time to realize that what I was seeing was not reality.
Which social media platform do you think is the most dangerous for kids right now and why?
TikTok is one of the most dangerous platforms for kids. The way its algorithm works makes it incredibly addictive, and children are constantly being influenced by people they know nothing about. There is also an alarming amount of inappropriate content on the platform, even though TikTok denies it. The fact that they’re facing legal action over this issue proves just how serious the problem is. Kids are being exposed to things they should never see, and many don’t even realize the damage it is doing.
More About Bark
Raising kids in the digital age can be a challenge — but Bark is here to help make things a little simpler. We give parents a variety of tools to help protect their kids from online and in real life. Our advanced content monitoring scans your child’s online activities and sends you alerts for potential dangers, and is available with the Bark Watch, the Bark Phone, and the Bark app. Check out our products page for more information and to find the tool that’s right for your family.
Bark helps families manage and protect their children’s digital lives.
