Social Media's Dark Side: Experts Warn of Risks to Children's Safety and Mental Health

Strategic Insights -

Concerns about the impact of social media on children's safety and mental health are growing, with experts warning of the dangers of misogynistic and hateful content. The chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Children's Online Safety, Gregor Poynton, has spoken out about the risk of children being radicalised through social media by influencers and preachers of hate. Meanwhile, Mumsnet chief executive Justine Roberts has described the effect of smartphones and social media on young people as a "public health crisis". Experts are calling for greater action to protect children from the harms of social media, including the introduction of online studies classes in the curriculum.

Key Takeaways:

  • Children are at risk of being radicalised through social media by misogynistic and hateful influencers and preachers of hate.
  • Social media companies are not doing enough to protect children from online harm, according to Labour MP Gregor Poynton.
  • Mumsnet chief executive Justine Roberts has described the effect of smartphones and social media on young people as a "public health crisis".
  • Some schools have introduced bans on mobile phones, but it is unclear whether this will be effective in protecting children.
  • Experts suggest that online studies classes could be part of the solution to helping children navigate the virtual world.
  • Young people may be better equipped to create civilised social media platforms that promote positive values, rather than hatred and fear.

Statistics:

  • 40% of children aged 5-15 have been bullied online (Source: NSPCC)
  • 1 in 5 children have experienced online harassment (Source:SWGfL)
  • 75% of young people have been exposed to online hate speech (Source: BBC)
  • Social media is used by 74% of 12-15 year olds (Source: ONS)
  • The average minute spent on social media per day by teenagers is around 120 minutes.