- 8 November 2024
- Posted by: M-author
- Category: Mental health
The mental health and well-being of young people have been in decline over the last decade. What’s more, there is some correlation between the rise of digital engagement and the increase in health challenges. So, can we point to screen time as the cause?
The Mental Health of Young People
A 2023 NHS England report* suggested that 21.8% of 8 – 25-year-olds in England have a probable mental health disorder. Many of them have not been able to gain a formal diagnosis, as support services are widely understaffed.
Unfortunately, this figure has increased over the past decade. In part, that could be due to greater awareness of conditions by parents and teachers. However, we need to recognise and tackle the causes of poor mental health to the same level as factors that impact physical health.
Digital Devices & Screen Time
In line with health declines, there has been significant growth in the availability of digital technology over the last decade. Consequently, the vast majority of 8-25-year-olds now have phones, tablets and other personal devices. What’s more, they are increasingly used in school and for homework, as well as for entertainment and socialising. For this reason, it can be difficult for parents to refuse to buy devices or allow screen time.
The finger of blame for childhood mental health issues, along with the inability to focus, is often pointed at excessive screen time. So, are we right to assume that limiting access to devices could turn things around? If so, it would be a relatively simple quick fix. We could control the use and watch the number of NHS and specialist service referrals drop. However, few things are that clear cut.
Mental Health & The Internet
A global research project, undertaken by Melbourne University, Harvard Digital Psychiatry Unit and Oxford Internet Institute offers more insight. They reviewed all available studies on the impact of social media, gaming and the internet on young people’s mental health. The results are published in a report, What Do We Know About Mental Health and the Internet in Young People?**
The findings suggest that our focus on screen time is distracting from the genuine issues facing young people online. Interestingly, it states that time spent on social media sites or screens is not an indicator of mental health outcomes.
Positive & Negative Online Experiences
Having said that, a determining factor is the experiences that a young person has online and the content they are exposed to.
On the positive side, personal tech is widely used to:
- Research information for studies
- Access online courses, educational games and resources to support personal development
- Socialise and build connections with friends and family
- Seek out advice or support with life challenges
On the flip side, the internet can expose young people to:
- Pressurised marketing and sales
- Violent or pornographic content
- Distorted body images that impact self-esteem
- Cyberbullying
- Unwanted contact from strangers
- Addictive gaming and associated spending or gambling
This second list outlines some of the causes of negative online experiences that can impact mental health. This is what we need to protect young people from.
Controlling Online Content to Protect Young People
The difference between positive and harmful content is control. In most cases, young people are looking to connect with friends, be entertained or find out information for their homework. However, once online, they are bombarded with content that they’ve not asked for and is out of their control. Tactics are intentionally used to draw them in and a click on the wrong link leaves them exposed to harmful content.
The report makes recommendations for researchers, parents, schools, young people, tech companies and policymakers to improve protections and gain more control over online experiences. Additionally, it highlights the social responsibility of anyone designing online content, especially for young people. Following the Safety By Design principles provide clear guidelines on how this can be achieved.
What about Screen Time & Attention Spans?
Another concern about devices and screen time is that it has reduced our attention span. Do you feel that young people are less able to focus and more easily distracted? Is it more difficult to learn and retain knowledge in a digital world?
Our Perception of Distraction by Devices
A Kings College survey*** revealed that there is a widely held perception that technology is a constant distraction and that young people have a lower attention span. It also reveals that most people feel the constant pull of sites vying for our attention and wish the pace of life would slow down. This pressure can impact our mental well-being.
At this point, I’d like to ask, how good are you at ignoring the impulse to check your phone or social sites when at work? That’s because this doesn’t only impact young people.
Maintaining Focus
At present, there is insufficient evidence of a correlation between screen time and a lowered attention span. However, what is known is that our attention span is dependent on the task. As a result, it’s easy to understand how interactive gaming and social sites distract us from routine work, wordy, dry documents and chores!
As a business psychology trainer and speaker, I am very aware of this. I’ve shaped dynamic workshops and presentations using a variety of media and activities. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more!
**https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/mhinternet-web-spreads.pdf
