Research on Using Music to Support Teen Mental Health

Music can be a tool for stress relief, social connection, and creativity as long as it is enjoyed in a balanced way.

January 13, 2026

Music is a big part of everyday life for many teenagers and can affect their mental health. A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience explains that music helps teens express and manage their feelings. Listening to music can also help them feel less alone when they’re stressed.

However, the research also explains that music can have negative effects if used in unhealthy ways. For instance, listening to loud music can harm hearing, and spending too much time listening may distract teens from their schoolwork or daily responsibilities.

To reduce these risks, the study offers several helpful suggestions for supporting healthy music use. The following sections explain the positive effects of music, the possible risks, and the steps the study recommends to help teens use music safely.

Understanding the Research

The author did not conduct experiments with adolescents directly. Instead, they reviewed and analyzed existing research studies on music and adolescent mental health.

The review focused on three key areas: the influence of music on teens’ emotions, the relationship between their mental state and music selection, and how adults can guide them toward safe and positive music use.

Key findings from the review include:

Emotional regulation - The review found that music plays a strong role in helping teens express, understand, and manage emotions. Many studies showed that listening to or creating music can reduce stress (by reducing cortisol levels), lower anxiety, and boost self-confidence.
Social connection and identity development - Research consistently showed that music helps teens experience a sense of belonging. Shared music interests and group music activities, such as choirs, strengthen friendships and teamwork.
Cognitive growth - The study showed that music can support both creativity and learning. Teens who took part in music activities did better in school compared to those who weren’t involved in music.
Risks linked to excessive music listening - Music isn’t always harmless. Loud volumes can damage hearing, and too much listening can affect concentration. Some teens may also use music to avoid uncomfortable emotions.
The effect of negative music content - Another important finding was that music lyrics and emotional tone matter. Studies showed that repeated exposure to music with violent or discriminatory themes may worsen mood.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

With a little guidance, teens can enjoy the benefits of music. The author shares some simple recommendations:

Consider music genres

A key recommendation is to be mindful of music genres. For example, calming genres such as classical or instrumental music may help your teen relax and ease their stress. It helps to talk with your teen about how certain songs make them feel and whether those feelings are helpful or not.

Set limits on volume and listening time

Another important recommendation is to set clear limits on how loud and how long teens listen to music. As a general rule, music should be loud enough to enjoy but quiet enough that a teen can still hear someone speaking nearby.

Managing listening time is just as important. Let your teen know that taking regular breaks from music can help prevent interruptions to their focus and routines. The key is balance, so that music becomes a support tool rather than a distraction.

Help them build their musical skills

Allow your teen to choose how they want to engage with music, whether that means learning a musical instrument or joining a school choir. These activities can help boost their confidence and social skills while serving as healthy outlets for their emotions.

The author points to the need for more research on using music intentionally, both for coping with stress and for supporting mental health through education.