A new report from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has issued a stark warning that social media poses a threat to young people's health that is comparable to smoking. Doctors are reporting a rise in what they describe as 'radicalised children' who have been exposed to harmful online content.
Rising Distress Among Young People
A survey conducted as part of the report reveals that half of doctors treat at least one child each week for distress or injury directly linked to online activity. The findings have prompted former health secretary Wes Streeting and bereaved families to urge the government to implement an outright ban on social media for under-16s, drawing parallels between the addictive nature of these platforms and tobacco.
Government Commitments and Opposition
The Government has previously committed to introducing age or functionality restrictions for under-16s on social media, with proposals expected by summer and legislation promised by the end of the year. However, a coalition of children's organisations, including the NSPCC, argues that a broader overhaul of tech companies' business models is necessary. They call for bans on targeted advertising and manipulative design, rather than focusing solely on age restrictions.
The debate continues as the medical community and child welfare advocates push for urgent action to protect young people from the harms of social media.
