UK Doctors Compare Social Media Impact on Children to Smoking

Jakarta – Social media is increasingly being viewed as a serious threat to children’s health, with some medical experts comparing its impact to that of smoking. Senior doctors in the United Kingdom are urging the government to take firm action to address the risks associated with excessive screen time among young people.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, which represents 23 medical institutions across the UK and Ireland, outlined the effects of social media on children in a formal submission to a government consultation on online safety. “The impact of social media can be as harmful as smoking. This has prompted us to speak collectively about the consequences of unrestricted exposure to digital technologies on children and adolescents,” the organization stated, as reported by Reuters.

A survey involving 132 doctors found that more than half reported encountering at least one case each week of health problems linked to the use of digital devices. Over a third of respondents said they observed such cases multiple times a week.

The reported effects extend beyond mental health issues to include physical harm. Some cases involved children imitating extreme pornographic content they had encountered online. Doctors also identified instances of psychological trauma linked to exposure to violent material on the internet.

The Mayo Clinic has also noted that social media use can negatively affect some teenagers. It may disrupt essential activities such as studying, physical exercise, and family interaction, while also reducing sleep quality.

In addition, social media can expose teenagers to misleading or false information, facilitate the spread of rumors, and encourage the oversharing of personal data. Some adolescents may also develop unrealistic expectations about life and body image.

Other risks include increased vulnerability to online predators who seek to exploit or extort young users. Exposure to cyberbullying is also associated with a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

The UK government is currently considering a range of measures to limit children’s access to social media. Proposed policies include banning use for those under 16, introducing curfews for app usage, restricting screen time, and reducing features designed to encourage addictive behavior.

“We will take action, whether through banning social media for under-16s or limiting key features and functions,” said UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.

Australia last year became the first country to introduce a ban on social media use for children under 16. Several other countries are now exploring similar policies.

Indonesia has also taken steps to address the issue. The Ministry of Communication and Digital has issued regulations derived from the Tunas Government Regulation (PP Tunas), which aim to restrict children’s access to high-risk digital platforms.

Under this policy, access to social media and other high-risk platforms for users under 16 will be delayed. Indonesia is considered the first non-Western country to implement such age-based restrictions in the digital space.

The threats facing children online are becoming increasingly evident, ranging from exposure to pornography and cyberbullying to online fraud and digital addiction. Through these measures, the government emphasizes that protecting children in the digital environment should not rest solely on parents.

Indonesianpost.com | Republika