#StatusofMind: Social Media and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing

KEY POINTS

• 91% of 16-24 year olds use the internet for social networking
• Social media has been described as more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol
• Rates of anxiety and depression in young people have risen 70% in the past 25 years
• Social media use is linked with increased rates of anxiety, depression and poor sleep
• Cyber bullying is a growing problem with 7 in 10 young people saying they have experienced it
• Social media can improve young people’s access to other people’s experiences of health and expert health information
• Those who use social media report being more emotionally supported through their contacts

CALLS TO ACTION

• Introduction of a pop-up heavy usage warning on social media
• Social media platforms to highlight when photos of people have been digitally manipulated
• NHS England to apply the Information Standard Principles to health information published via social media
• Safe social media use to be taught during PSHE education in schools
• Social media platforms to identify users who could be suffering from mental health problems by their posts, and discreetly signpost to support
• Youth-workers and other professionals who engage with young people to have a digital (including social) media component in their training
• More research to be carried out into the effects of social media on young people’s mental health