The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in the United Kingdom submitted a consultation report to the government on Tuesday detailing the impact of social media on teenagers, likening it to smoking as a serious threat to young people.
Representing 23 Royal Medical Colleges in the UK and Ireland, the organization highlighted the serious issue of teenagers becoming addicted to social media, stating that it is “as harmful as smoking addiction or driving without wearing a seatbelt.”
The report revealed that out of 132 doctors surveyed, more than half encountered at least one case per week of potential health damage related to technology and devices, with over a third witnessing evidence of harm multiple times a week.
Some teenagers have suffered physical injuries from imitating extreme pornography behaviors, while others, particularly children, have experienced psychological trauma from viewing violence online. Various similar incidents have occurred as well.
The UK is in discussions on restricting children’s use of social media, potentially prohibiting those under 16 from accessing such platforms. Measures being considered include curfews, limits on app usage time, and restrictions on “addictive” design features.
The UK’s Online Safety Bill mandates that social media companies take steps to protect children from illegal and harmful online content.
The government has also pledged to take further action, with Technology Minister Liz Kendall telling BBC News, “The issue is not whether we will take action, we will take action not only to ban those under 16 from using social media but also to limit key features and functionalities.”
Hundreds of UK families are currently testing social media bans, curfews, and limits on app usage to understand the impact of these measures on children’s sleep, family life, and academic performance.
However, experts have varying opinions on the effectiveness of a complete ban. A group of young people in London recently told Reuters they oppose such restrictions.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in the UK urged lawmakers in the report to take action to protect young people from the harmful effects of improper social media use.
The report stated, “Rarely has there been a problem that has united clinical professionals so consistently as the unrestricted access of children and adolescents to social media and its impact on their mental and physical health.”
Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media last year, and European countries are also considering similar measures.
(This article was adapted from a report by Reuters)