NEWS- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)- Children’s doctors increasingly treating harms associated with social media and being online
A recent report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) highlights growing concerns among paediatricians about the impact of online harms on children and young people presenting to health services.
The report draws on feedback from RCPCH members and explores how digital engagement, social media use and online experiences are influencing children's health and wellbeing. Of the paediatricians who responded, almost half reported that discussions about online activity are a regular feature of consultations with children and young people.
Clinicians identified a range of safeguarding and wellbeing concerns linked to online experiences, including self-harm and suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying, peer conflict, and risks associated with exploitation and abuse. These findings reinforce the increasingly important role that online environments play in children's lives and the impact they can have on both physical and mental health outcomes.
While the report acknowledges the opportunities and benefits that being online can provide, it concludes that many current social media platforms continue to expose children to significant risks. The RCPCH is calling for stronger protections, including age-appropriate online experiences, the introduction of child-centred design principles, and action to address commercial practices that may prioritise engagement over children's safety and wellbeing.
The findings serve as a reminder that safeguarding children in the digital world requires a collaborative approach, with policymakers, technology companies, professionals and families all playing a role in creating safer online environments for children and young people.
Read the press release here
Read the evidence report here