Mental Health
1/5 children and young people have a probable mental health disorder.
Children with Problematic smartphone use are x 2 as likely to experience anxiety and x 3 as likely to experience depression to those with health phone habits.
According to NHS data in the past decade childhood outdoor accidents have reduced 70% but self-harm has increased 93%.
Girls who spend 5 hrs or more on social media have a 40% chance of clinically significant depression. Depression rates are rising among UK teens, especially among girls. Social media and technology use are linked to poorer mental health outcomes, although this relationship is complex and multifaceted.
A global review of 50 studies found a strong correlation between social media use and body dissatisfaction, particularly among girls.
Social media and screen time can harm wellbeing, particularly in adolescents, by promoting online comparison and lowering self‑esteem — especially among girls.