Dangers of social media on young mental health highlighted

England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies is reviewing the impact that excessive social media can have on children’s mental health.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has issued an urgent warning claiming that the threat of social media on mental health is similar to that of sugar on physical health, confirming that Davies will draw up guidance to help parents ensure children don’t use social media in a way that harms their mental health.

The Chief Medical Officer’s review will cover what age a child should be allowed to sign up to a social media account, and how often they should have access, as well as cyber bullying, online gaming where there is a social media aspect, sleep problems and problematic internet use, also known as ‘internet addiction’.

Davies said: “Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated as such. I recognise there is concern amongst parents about the impact of social media on their children’s mental health so I am conducting a thorough evidence review and will draw up advice to help empower parents and provide clarity.”

Hancock said: “Overwhelmingly technology is a force for good, but we are seeing more and more evidence that children using social media sites for hours on end each day is having a detrimental impact on their mental health. I want to empower parents to keep their children safe in the digital age which is why I’ve asked the Chief Medical Officer to draw up helpful guidance to allow them to make an informed choice.”