I had the opportunity this week to attend a Seattle Children’s event about social media and youth mental health. It was a fascinating discussion including researchers, physicians, Representative Kim Schrier, Attorney General Nick Brown and state legislators.
We heard research about the impact of social media use on both mental and physical health – depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation and less time on other activities. Many kids spend the equivalent of a full-time job on social media. Algorithms track kids and serve up content; a kid with an eating disorder will see content about extreme dieting. Kids also get served unwanted sexual content. The research was compelling and resonated with the struggles I have around device use with my own children.
Some countries are much further along than the U.S. in creating public policy to protect children and adolescents online, including prohibiting social media platforms from allowing youth to join. A super interesting point was that kids want to be on social media because their friends are on social media. Public policy that removes all kids from social media makes it much less attractive or addictive.
Social media can have some positive effects. Young people who feel marginalized or have chronic health conditions may find community there. Removing social media requires replacing it with other positive things.
We left with several action items including parent education and having doctors screen struggling kids for social media use. Creating protective public policy at the state, federal or court level that supports a healthier digital future for young people was endorsed by attendees.
I learned a lot at this event and would love to hear your thoughts. Are your providers screening struggling kids for excessive social media use? Do you see an intersection with social media and youth mental health? Are you interested in learning more?
Sincerely,
Cassie Sauer
WSHA President & CEO
[email protected]