A group of senior doctors in the UK has stated that time spent on screens and social media harms children. They draw a comparison to smoking, not due to identical physical health impacts, but because they believe it is a significant health issue requiring serious attention.
While it is difficult to prove that social media directly causes harm, studies have linked it to problems such as anxiety and poor wellbeing. The doctors describe an 'overwhelming consensus' that screen time is detrimental to children's health.
Campaigners are divided on whether a total ban on social media apps for children is the best approach. Many young people argue that social media can also have positive effects on their lives.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has stated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is 'behind the curve' on implementing a social media ban for under-16s, as reported by The Guardian.
