Royal School of Public Health: Social media and young people's mental health

199IT original compilation

The Royal Society for Public Health recently released a report on “Social Media and Young People’s Mental Health” which found that:

91% of 16-24 year olds use social networks;

Moreover, young people’s addiction to social media has surpassed that of cigarettes and alcohol;

In the past 25 years, the rate of anxiety and depression among young people has increased by 70%;

Social media use has been linked to anxiety, depression, and lack of sleep;

Online bullying is a growing problem, with 7 in 10 young people experiencing it;

Social media can improve young people’s access to other people’s health experiences and professional health information;

Young people who use social media say they get more emotional support through communication.

At the same time, the report also suggests that actions should be taken to prevent the negative impact of social media:

Design overuse warnings on social media;

Social media should highlight if people in photos are being manipulated online;

Apply information standards principles to health information posted on social media;

Schools should guide students on safe use of social media;

Social platforms can identify users with mental health issues through the content they post and offer support;

Youth workers and other professionals who work with young people help young people use social networks appropriately;

Further research is needed into the impact of social media on adolescent mental health.

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