Latest news with #youthcrisis
News24
11 hours ago
- Health
- News24
Is your child's screen time creating a mental health problem? Experts weigh in
In a country where adults spend nearly a third of their waking hours scrolling through smartphones, South African children are silently suffering the consequences of our collective screen addiction. The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is sounding the alarm on what has become a genuine mental health crisis among the nation's youth. The concern has grown so widespread that 'brain-rot'—the term describing the impact of consuming excessive low-quality online content—was recently crowned Oxford Dictionary's Word of the Year. For South African families, this isn't just a clever phrase but a daily reality with serious implications. The numbers tell a troubling story Research reveals a direct connection between screen time and mental well-being. Adolescents spending more than five hours daily on digital devices are 70% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or actions compared to those with less than an hour of daily screen time. Even moderate usage (4-6 hours daily) significantly increases symptoms of anxiety and depression. South African adults are setting a problematic example, averaging 9 hours and 37 minutes daily on smartphones. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok consume more than 22% of this time. 'If we as adults are addicted, how can they not be?' questions Prof. Renata Schoeman, psychiatrist and SASOP member. 'We cannot expect children to moderate their screen time when they see adults constantly glued to their phones. Children learn by observing. If we don't model healthy digital behaviour, we are silently endorsing screen addiction.' Read more | 3 reasons why you should trade screen-time for cuddles with your little one Beyond mental health: The full impact The consequences extend beyond mental health concerns. Studies across 14 countries found that mobile phones consistently distract students from learning. Even having a phone nearby with notifications interrupts concentration, and once distracted, children may need up to 20 minutes to refocus. Professor Schoeman outlines several specific mental health impacts linked to excessive screen use: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem Disrupted sleep, especially when screens are used before bedtime Declining academic performance due to concentration issues and reduced motivation Social withdrawal as digital interactions replace face-to-face connections Exposure to harmful content including cyber-bullying and messages promoting disordered eating Physical health also suffers, with screen-addicted children experiencing higher rates of obesity, headaches, eye strain, and poor posture. Finding balance in a digital world Despite these concerns, SASOP isn't advocating for complete digital abstinence. 'It's not about banning screens, it's about balance,' explains Prof. Schoeman. 'There's a big difference between a family movie night and hours of unmonitored scrolling or gaming. The key is to be mindful, involved and consistent.' Read more | Boys in Crisis | A look behind why boy children are 'left' behind in society For parents seeking guidance, Prof. Schoeman offers practical recommendations: Age-appropriate limits: no screens for children under 2 years; maximum 1 hour for ages 2-5; ideally no more than 2 hours daily for older children Prioritise offline activities, particularly outdoors, to support overall wellbeing Model responsible habits by taking breaks and switching off devices during meals and before bedtime Establish device-free zones and times, especially during family meals Take overnight custody of children's devices to ensure proper sleep 'Children don't need perfection from their parents, they need consistency,' Prof. Schoeman emphasises. 'Small, daily changes like putting your phone away at dinner sends a powerful message. And right now, our children need that message more than ever.' In a nation where digital devices have become extensions of ourselves, the most valuable gift we can offer the next generation might be teaching them when—and how—to disconnect.
Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Global report warns social media fuelling Gen Z mental health crisis — but blanket bans aren't the answer
AMSTERDAM, June 11 — The 'unchecked expansion' of social media platforms is driving an unprecedented global mental health crisis in kids and teens, a children's NGO said today, calling for urgent coordinated action worldwide. The KidsRights report said one in seven children and adolescents aged between 10 and 19 suffered mental health issues, with the global suicide rate at six per 100,000 for those aged 15-19. Even these high rates represent 'the tip of the iceberg' as suicide is widely under-reported due to stigma, according to the Amsterdam-based group. 'This year's report is a wake-up call that we cannot ignore any longer' said Marc Dullaert, KidsRights chairman. 'The mental health... crisis among our children has reached a tipping point, exacerbated by the unchecked expansion of social media platforms that prioritise engagement over child safety,' he added. The report said what it termed 'problematic' social media use was on the rise, with a direct link between heavy internet use and suicide attempts. However, blanket bans are not the answer, the group warned. Australia passed a law to ban social media use for under-16s. 'Such blanket bans may infringe on children's civil and political rights,' including access to information, said the report. The group urged 'comprehensive child rights impact assessments' at a global level for social media platforms, better education for kids, and improved training for mental health professionals. The report seized on the popularity of Netflix sensation Adolescence, which highlighted some of the toxic content kids view online. The mini-series 'demonstrated global awareness of these issues, but awareness alone is insufficient,' said Dullaert. 'We need concrete action to ensure that the digital revolution serves to enhance, not endanger, the wellbeing of the world's 2.2 billion children,' he said. 'The time for half-measures is over.' — AFP *If you are lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, Befrienders offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours is available here: There are also free hotlines for young people. Talian Kasih at 15999 (24/7); and Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR)(daily 12pm-12am). Contact Befrienders KL at 03-7627 2929, or 04-2910 100 in Penang, or 05-2380 485 in Ipoh, or 088-335 793 in Kota Kinabalu. Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or visit for a full list of numbers and operating hours).
Arab News
11-06-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Social media fueling ‘devastating' kids' mental health crisis: NGO
AMESTERDAM: The 'unchecked expansion' of social media platforms is driving an unprecedented global mental health crisis in kids and teens, a children's NGO said Wednesday, calling for urgent coordinated action worldwide. The KidsRights report said one in seven children and adolescents aged between 10 and 19 suffered mental health issues, with the global suicide rate at six per 100,000 for those aged 15-19. Even these high rates represent 'the tip of the iceberg' as suicide is widely under-reported due to stigma, according to the Amsterdam-based group. 'This year's report is a wake-up call that we cannot ignore any longer' said Marc Dullaert, KidsRights chairman. 'The mental health... crisis among our children has reached a tipping point, exacerbated by the unchecked expansion of social media platforms that prioritize engagement over child safety,' he added. The report said what it termed 'problematic' social media use was on the rise, with a direct link between heavy Internet use and suicide attempts. However, blanket bans are not the answer, the group warned. Australia passed a law to ban social media use for under-16s. 'Such blanket bans may infringe on children's civil and political rights,' including access to information, said the report. The group urged 'comprehensive child rights impact assessments' at a global level for social media platforms, better education for kids, and improved training for mental health professionals. The report seized on the popularity of Netflix sensation 'Adolescence,' which highlighted some of the toxic content kids view online. The mini-series 'demonstrated global awareness of these issues, but awareness alone is insufficient,' said Dullaert. 'We need concrete action to ensure that the digital revolution serves to enhance, not endanger, the wellbeing of the world's 2.2 billion children,' he said. 'The time for half-measures is over.'
