Social Media & Youth Mental Health: A Call to Action
In an era where social media dominates our lives, its impact on young people's mental health is a growing concern.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a comprehensive advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action.
We've compiled a summary of the key points from the advisory.
Here's what we're facing:
Mental health challenges are widespread: One in six young people aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
Untreated issues can have long-lasting consequences for their future.
Social media plays a role: The curated nature of social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and isolation.
Cyberbullying and harmful content further exacerbate these challenges.
What can we do?
Early intervention is key: Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should familiarize themselves with the warning signs of mental health issues and stay vigilant.
Build a supportive environment: Schools, families, and communities need to work together to create spaces where mental health is valued and help is readily available.
Empower young people: We need to encourage self-care, stress management, and healthy coping skills to build resilience.
Invest in mental health services: Access to support, both in-person and online, should be a priority for all young people. Let's join forces to create a brighter, more resilient future for the next generation!
Access the Advisory Summary below.
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This announcement is supported by SAMHSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award over five years (2020-2025) with 100 percent funded by SAMHSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by SAMHSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.