Teenagers Vulnerable to Misinformation on Social Media

Strategic Insights -

Teens are increasingly turning to social media for health information, with two-thirds accessing guidance online. However, this reliance comes with risks, as nearly a third of those surveyed wished their bodies were different after viewing content. The National Child Health Poll found that many teens make health decisions based on social media content, with over a third having tried or considered something new after seeing it online. The study highlights the importance of teaching teenagers to question what they see online and find trustworthy health information.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over two-thirds of teenagers access health guidance on social media, with fitness and diet being among the most popular topics.
  • More than a third of teenagers surveyed wished their bodies were different after viewing content online.
  • Almost all young people aged 12 to 17 years use social media, with three-quarters reporting it was hard to know what was true and untrue.
  • The National Child Health Poll found that nearly a third of teenagers have tried or considered something new after seeing it online, leading to concerns about health decision-making.
  • Pediatrician and director of the National Child Health Poll, Anthea Rhodes, emphasized the critical need for teenagers to question online content and learn to find trustworthy health information.
  • The study suggests teenagers are vulnerable to being misled by persuasive and engaging online content that may not provide accurate health advice.
  • Willow, a Year 9 student, notes that social media can be a harmful place, with pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty and body image.
  • The National Child Health Poll surveyed over 1400 Australian parents and their children aged between 12 and 17 years old.
  • Anthea Rhodes, director of the National Child Health Poll, highlights the need for teenagers to critically evaluate online content and seek out trustworthy health information.

Statistics:

  • Two-thirds of teenagers access health guidance on social media (The Royal Children's Hospital research).
  • More than a third of teenagers surveyed wished their bodies were different after viewing content online (The Royal Children's Hospital research).
  • Almost all young people aged 12 to 17 years use social media (The National Child Health Poll).
  • Three-quarters of teenagers reported it was hard to know what was true and untrue on social media (The National Child Health Poll).
  • Nearly a third of teenagers have tried or considered something new after seeing it online (The National Child Health Poll).
  • Over 86% of teens and parents interviewed believed children under 16 would still find ways to access social media despite changes to platform policies (The National Child Health Poll).

Sources:

  • "The Royal Children's Hospital" (research findings and study cited by The Royal Children's Hospital).
  • The National Child Health Poll (study cited by The National Child Health Poll).
  • Anthea Rhodes, director of the National Child Health Poll (quotes and statements).
  • Willow, Year 9 student (quotes and statements).
  • Lifeline (13 11 14).
  • Butterfly Foundation (1800 334 673).
  • Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).