News

North London teenagers are working with local NHS mental health services to develop a resource for young people to educate them about the effects of screen-time and social media on mental health.

In line with yesterday’s announcement by the government to ban social media to under 16s, there is considerable evidence linking excessive social media and screen use to increased levels of anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, and sleep disruption among teenagers. A recent study found that problematic smart device use (PSU) is linked to youth mental health, with nearly half of 13 to 16-year-olds with PSU reporting symptoms of anxiety (44.4%)¹.

Mental health experts have warned that young users are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of online life, including cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and the constant need for social validation through likes, shares, and comments.

The Haringey Guided Emotional Mental Health Service (GEMHS) at the North London Mental Health Trust visit young people in schools to talk about staying safe online and to co-produce the resource which will be delivered through workshops and in one-to-one sessions. Currently in its development stages, the resource will also provide support to parents on how to manage and have conversations with their children about social media.

Within our Children and Young People’s (CYP) Service, our staff, including clinicians and psychologist, are trained on how to have regular conversations with young people about their online activities and how to spot red flags. Conversations are initiated proactively, with studies showing children and young people spend an average of 4-5 hours online each day², despite many not recognising the impact it may have on their mental health.

Senior Mental Health Practitioner Zoe talks about the ban and what it means for the service, “Although a blanket ban on social media for under 16s has been announced, we recognise the risk that young people may still find ways to access platforms and will continue to support them with staying safe online. This also gives us time to educate and prepare young people for when they turn 16 and can access social media, and to do it safely.”

“We know that most, if not all, our service users have access to online platforms. Some of them may not be in the right frame of mind to make clear judgement when they come into contact with something online that may be harmful to them or others. This is why we do a lot of work with young people in schools and to teach them about the types of online harms, how to stay safe and limit screentime.”

Many studies suggest that spending less time on using screens and accessing social media can improve mood, concentration, and sleep quality. It is believed that a ban could encourage more face-to-face interaction, physical activity, and engagement in hobbies, all of which are associated with better mental wellbeing.

Find out more about our Children and Young People's Service.

NOTES AND REFERENCES

1. 30Bye, A., Carter, B., Leightley, D., Trevillion, K., Liakata, M., Branthonne-Foster, S., Cross, S., Zenasni, Z., Carr, E., Williamson, G., Vega Viyuela, A., & Dutta, R. (2024). Cohort profile: The Social media, smartphone use and Self-harm in Young People (3S-YP) study-A prospective, observational cohort study of young people in contact with mental health services. PLoS One, 19(5), e0299059. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299059  

2. Ofcom.org.uk