After a 2017 report by the Royal Society for Public Health found that social media increased feelings of anxiety and depression among the young – while also providing positive effects such as maintaining friendships and offering emotional support – MPs from the All-Party Parliamentary Group have decided to launch an inquiry into the negative aspects to see how to minimize or eradicate its effects either at a company or government level.
Specifically, the investigation aims to address three big questions regarding social media, those being: What does the latest evidence say about the impact of social media on young people? What is classed as a healthy relationship with such platforms? What should be done by Government and technology companies to try and solve these issues?
They are by no means easy questions to answer but ones that have to be if we aim to keep the positive aspects of such platforms without the negatives.
APPG chair Chris Elmore MP said: “I’d highly encourage everyone who has an experience of social media and the impact it can have upon young people’s mental health to submit evidence to the APPG’s inquiry.
“It’s essential that we hear from all stakeholders involved in this issue including social media companies, charities, NGOs, government departments, technology developers, parents and, above all, young people themselves.
“It’s vital that we are able to look at the whole picture surrounding this growing issue so that the APPG and RSPH are able to gain a clearer picture of what aspects of social media usage need addressing most urgently.
“Please do submit your experiences to feed into this vital work.”
