RSP report: Social media and young people's mental health

The RSPH (Royal Society for Public Health) has released a new report, 'Social media and young people's mental health'.

The survey found that:

91% of teenagers and young adults (16-24 years old) use the internet to socialize and engage in social activities.

Social media has been described as more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol.

Rates of anxiety and depression among young people have increased by 70% over the past 25 years.

Social media use is strongly linked to increases in anxiety, depression and poor sleep.

Cyberbullying is a growing problem, with 7 in 10 young people saying they have experienced some kind of cyberbullying.

Social media is not without its benefits; it can help young people gain access to other people’s health experiences and health information from experts.

Those who use social media report receiving more emotional support through interaction with others.

In order to reduce young people's addiction to social media, the Royal Society for Public Health called on all parties to take action in its report:

Introducing usage pop-up warnings on social media when usage is excessive.

Social media platforms highlight whether people’s photos have been digitally manipulated.

NHS England applies information standards principles to health information published via social media.

Using safe social media for teaching during PSHE education in schools.

Social media platforms identify users who may be suffering from mental health issues through their posts and carefully set up labels.

Youth workers and other professionals engage with young people and include digital (including social) media components in their training.

Studying the impact of social media on young people’s mental health.

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