<![CDATA[This study explores the impact of excessive social media use on adolescent mental health, particularly among high school students in Padang Panjang, Indonesia. As digital technologies become more embedded in daily life, adolescents increasingly spend extended periods online, often unaware of the psychological consequences. The study employed a qualitative descriptive method supported by surveys, interviews, observations, and literature review. Data were collected from students, school counselors, and clinical psychologists, revealing that excessive social media use is strongly correlated with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and emotional instability. In response, the study designed an educational illustrated book titled Behind the Screen, aimed at increasing awareness and promoting healthy digital habits among youth. The visual strategy utilized relatable character illustrations and simplified language to communicate the risks of digital overuse and mental health decline. The results suggest that targeted visual media can serve as an effective tool to support mental health literacy and behavior change in adolescent communities]]>
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