Tackling social media's impact on teens' mental health
Social media is pervasive in the lives of adults and adolescents alike: beyond simply being communication and image-sharing platforms, the likes of Instagram, YouTube and Facebook have become sources of news, information and entertainment, and are so integrated into daily life that they can be hard to disengage from.
A US-based study from 2016 revealed how the addictive use of social media platforms and video games correlated with mental health disorders, and technology since has only further developed dopamine-inducing algorithms, gamified elements and endless scrolling.
The 2022 report 'Hong Kong Kids Online' from Save the Children showed that 93 per cent of secondary school students have their own profile on a social media or a gaming platform, one in five had experienced cyberbullying in the last year, and four in 10 have had at least one unwanted online exposure to sexual content.
When it comes to social media, experts say parents must make clear rules for their children. Photo: German Swiss International School
With the introduction to digital tools and technology like smartphones, smartwatches and tablets happening ever-earlier, young people's emotional, social and behavioural development is at risk – but is social media a danger they should be totally shielded from, or can we hack the system?
Dr Katrina Rozga, head psychologist and managing director at the Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre, focuses on teenagers, whom she describes as 'a fascinating group of people with their own needs, wants and difficulties, especially in the current day'.
'Social media is a massive issue; parents don't know how to balance it, although not for a lack of trying' she says. 'Allowing their kids access to something that all their friends have access to, while managing their own fears about it.
'We're dealing with very smart apps here. It's not random – whatever you come across is being targeted to you. It can create echo chambers, meaning you want to spend more time online and procrastinate.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Allergic to your pet? 7 myths about cat fur, dog dander and hypoallergenic animals
Pets are great. You can play, cuddle and go for walks with them. They also help against loneliness. But not everyone can enjoy having pets. Advertisement Some people are allergic to cats, dogs and other creatures, and this can cause severe physical reactions. Allergies to dogs and cats affect 10 to 20 per cent of the population worldwide, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. But not everything you hear about allergies is true. Here are seven common misconceptions. Animal hair is not the trigger for reactions; the allergens are in the dander and the saliva. Photo: Shutterstock 1. The fur is the problem. Many people talk about an 'animal hair allergy', a first misunderstanding.
South China Morning Post
5 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Feature of the Week: Hong Kong students reflect on their walk for Amity Foundation
Do you have something to share? Send us your recommendations using this form On May 17, the Amity Foundation in Hong Kong organised a walkathon. Attendees carried water while they walked to raise awareness about increasing access to clean water. Here are reflections written by two students who joined the charity event. Kudio Tang (aged 10), Maryknoll Convent School (Primary Section) When we arrived, we attended a prize presentation, which marked the start of our 3km walk along the riverbank of the Shing Mun River. We had to carry bamboo poles with a heavy bucket of water attached to each end. As we walked along the path, I realised we were walking quite fast, having already covered half of the 3km walk within 15 minutes. When we arrived on the other side of the riverbank, I was drenched in sweat. At last, we could hit a gong, and a reporter came to interview us about our feelings. I felt thrilled and relieved that I could finish a 3km walk, as I'm always busy with schoolwork and rarely have time to exercise. Although the day was a challenge, I still had fun, and I'll never forget the experience that taught me the importance of conserving water. After a 3km walk with bamboo poles, Kudio Tang (second from left) learned the value of water conservation. Photo: Handout Ryder Szeto (aged 10), Yan Chai Hospital Chan Lu Seng Primary School During this activity, we carried a heavy water bucket and walked in the hot weather. I realised that the disadvantaged children in small villages suffered more than we did, as we had access to water without restriction. It is hard to imagine that they have to carry such heavy buckets many times a day. I plan to raise funds for them through such events to build facilities that can provide clean water in mountainous areas. Ryder Szeto shared his experience at the Amity Foundation walkathon in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout
South China Morning Post
7 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Tackling social media's impact on teens' mental health
Social media is pervasive in the lives of adults and adolescents alike: beyond simply being communication and image-sharing platforms, the likes of Instagram, YouTube and Facebook have become sources of news, information and entertainment, and are so integrated into daily life that they can be hard to disengage from. A US-based study from 2016 revealed how the addictive use of social media platforms and video games correlated with mental health disorders, and technology since has only further developed dopamine-inducing algorithms, gamified elements and endless scrolling. The 2022 report 'Hong Kong Kids Online' from Save the Children showed that 93 per cent of secondary school students have their own profile on a social media or a gaming platform, one in five had experienced cyberbullying in the last year, and four in 10 have had at least one unwanted online exposure to sexual content. When it comes to social media, experts say parents must make clear rules for their children. Photo: German Swiss International School With the introduction to digital tools and technology like smartphones, smartwatches and tablets happening ever-earlier, young people's emotional, social and behavioural development is at risk – but is social media a danger they should be totally shielded from, or can we hack the system? Dr Katrina Rozga, head psychologist and managing director at the Jadis Blurton Family Development Centre, focuses on teenagers, whom she describes as 'a fascinating group of people with their own needs, wants and difficulties, especially in the current day'. 'Social media is a massive issue; parents don't know how to balance it, although not for a lack of trying' she says. 'Allowing their kids access to something that all their friends have access to, while managing their own fears about it. 'We're dealing with very smart apps here. It's not random – whatever you come across is being targeted to you. It can create echo chambers, meaning you want to spend more time online and procrastinate.
