Spotlight on Safeguarding...
For your information this month, via the Newsletter, we are raising awareness of the negative impact of social media use amongst young people.
The debate over the use of social media amongst young people has intensified in recent months in the UK after Australia banned under 16s using social media in December. The ban has meant that under 16s are unable to access popular social media platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram and You Tube which has led to 4.7 million social media accounts being deactivated. This month the UK government are launching a consultation on banning social media for under 16s. BBC News have reported that if a law is introduced to ban social media, there would be measures included which would give Ofsted power to check school policies on mobile phones and it is expected by ministers that schools would become ‘mobile phone free’ as a result. While there is significant support for a ban in the UK with a number of MPs backing the ban and the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey also supporting a ban, there has been some opposition to the proposal.
Whether a ban is introduced or not, there is significant evidence that shows the negative impact that social media use has on young people. Sam Tyrer from Change Talks states that at a time when a teenager’s identity is developing, self-worth is linked to likes and followers and when this validation does not come it can hit them hard, making them feel isolated. The mother of murdered Brianna Ghey said that her daughter had mental health struggles which were exacerbated by her social media addiction. While Mollie Russell’s self-harming and subsequent suicide was directly linked to her viewing of social media content by an inquest.
Sam Tyrer from Change Talks states that there are a number of red flags to look out for and how you can start a conversation about social media with a young person:
- Becoming withdrawn or noticeably more irritable after being online
- Constantly checking their phone, even during moments which should be calm, such as mealtimes and before bed
- Struggling with sleep – especially staying up into the early hours scrolling
- A dip in confidence, or becoming overly focused on their appearance
- Avoiding in person social events, even ones they used to enjoy
- Regularly deleting posts if they don’t get ‘enough’ likes or comments – that one’s a big clue
It is important that a conversation does not become a lecture as teenagers will shut down if they think they are being told off for something. Tyrer believes that using curiosity, as opposed to what might come across as interrogating is the best approach. E.g. “I noticed you seemed a bit low after being on your phone – how are you doing?” or “What’s your social media feed like now? I’m interested in what you’re seeing.”
In PSHE lessons, students are taught about digital wellbeing and online safety during Year 7 and in Year 9, digital wellbeing and the use of social media is taught.
Where to get further information and support:
- NHS