Mental Health Rights Manual
An online guide to help explain your legal and human rights in the mental health and human services systems in New South Wales.
Read moreRecovery Oriented Language Guide
Words are important. The language we use and the stories we tell have great significance to all involved.
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“We are not a tool for social media, where we feed the algorithm and feel the impacts, but rather [social media should be] a tool for us to stay connected and thrive.”
Spoken by Billy, a youth delegate in the final segment of the Social Media Summit, his speech brought the voice of young people to the forefront of discussions around the first-of-its-kind summit focused on exploring and addressing the impacts of social media.
Co-hosted by the NSW and South Australian governments, the Social Media Summit was held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on day one, bringing together a diverse range of experts, policymakers and community voices to explore the complex relationships between social media and the mental health of children and young people.
NSW Premier Chris Minns opened the event with a focus on the positive impact of the NSW Government’s phone restrictions in schools, aimed at reducing distractions and promoting a safer environment for students. He emphasised a “no harm” approach to digital interactions, reinforcing the need for critical evaluations of how social media affects the wellbeing of young people.
It is worth noting NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant’s presentation on NSW Health’s deep dive into the evidence behind the benefits and risks of social media to health and wellbeing of young people based on local data and drawing on both local and international research.
The findings show both benefits and risks of social media use for young people, with the risks being cyberbullying, exposure to harmful material, social isolation, sleep issues, body image concerns and increased risk of addiction and risky behaviour.
Dr Chant mentioned the Australian Youth Activity Participation Study has showed higher social media use, at a point in time, is associated with greater depressed mood, though to what degree each causes the other is unclear.
There is also evidence that shows social media can increase social connection and feelings of connectedness and community amongst young people who use social media.
Further data shared included the troubling rates of depression, anxiety and suicidality among young people in relation to social media use, from Dr Jean Twenge, keynote speaker and psychologist. Dr Twenge offered practice strategies for parents, carers and professionals to create healthier digital habits, including removing phones from sleep areas, delaying smartphone access for younger users and encouraging face-to-face interactions among peers. These steps, while simple, are crucial in mitigating the negative impacts of social media on young people’s mental health.
The summit covered discussions on the role of social media in online safety, misinformation and extremism and its growing influence on government service delivery.
It seems the response needed from the government and community groups, needs to be balanced, thoughtful and nuanced, to maximise benefits and minimise harms from social media for children and young people.
The summit was a step forward in bringing the perspectives of young people, parents, government representatives and experts, towards a safer, healthier and more supportive digital environment for young people, although there is much more work that needs to be done.
As Billy concluded his speech, he mentioned that it was also his birthday and emphasised the significant milestone for young people today, as it allowed them to contribute their perspectives on issues that directly impact their lives.
Visit the NSW Government webpage for more information
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