A NEW report highlighting the impact on young people of growing up online has been published by Warwickshire’s Director of Public Health.
Dr Shade Agboola’s latest report focuses on wellbeing and how young people interact with social media and AI – highlighting both the benefits and emerging harms.
Dr Agboola said: “This year’s report has been delivered in the format of a blog, shaped in collaboration with children and young people themselves, to make the content engaging, accessible, and easy to share.
“Social media is no longer just a way for children and young people to connect, but it influences their health, wellbeing, and future opportunities. It is important that we hear their thoughts to better understand the latest changes in the digital world.
“I would like to thank everyone who has provided input towards this report including our community safety partners, education professionals, and my team at Warwickshire County Council. By working together, we can ensure that technology supports the wellbeing of young people to help them lead happier and healthier lives.”
For many children and young people being online is a space to learn, express themselves, and socialise with peers and friends. However, while the report highlights the benefits of being online such as opportunities for creativity and social engagement, it also discusses the more harmful risks which can start from an early age. This includes exposure to cyberbullying, unrealistic body image ideals, misinformation, and harmful content which can all negatively impact physical and mental health, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing.
One in three 13 to 14 year-olds spend over four hours a day online, with risks such as grooming and radicalisation increasingly occurring through common apps like Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, and gaming platforms. Those with mental health difficulties are also twice as likely to seek advice from influencers discussing mental health compared to those without such difficulties.
For parents, guardians or carers concerned about young people growing up online, the Director of Public Health Annual Report provides recommendations such as helping young people to learn how to better manage their time online, for example by using app timers to encourage healthier amounts of online social engagement, taking regular breaks from being in the online space, and uninstalling software or unfollowing content that is having a negative impact on their wellbeing and mental health.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/strategy-governance-health-wellbeing/director-public-health-annual-reports to find out more.
