Social media is badly affecting the mental health of children. Due to this many types of problems may arise in them. In view of this, recently Australia has banned social media for children below 16 years of age. This is the first time in the world that any country has taken such action. After which its discussion has started all over the world.
Some people consider this ban necessary for the mental health of children, while some are criticizing it. They believe that this step can suppress the creativity of children. In such a situation, let us know how important and how dangerous social media is for children…
According to a report published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2021, children who spend more than three hours on social media every day have more problems with stress and depression. Not only this, it can also reduce their confidence. The report of the UK’s Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) also shows that social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat increase insecurity about body image, especially among young girls. In such a situation, banning social media can be better for the mental health of children.
The habit of social media is like an addiction. Often children stay awake till late night watching this. This affects their sleep. The blue light emitted from the screen stops the production of melatonin, which is a hormone that controls sleep.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, it is very important for teenagers to get 8-10 hours of sleep every day, but due to using phones till late night, many children are not able to complete it. In such a situation, children can be given a healthy routine by banning social media.
Experts believe that staying on social media for a long time can slow down the lifestyle. Children who spend more time on reels and phones confine themselves indoors. This reduces their physical activities. According to WHO, children aged 5 to 17 years should do one hour of physical activity daily. Social media also affects children’s social relationships.
Published at : 02 Dec 2024 06:19 PM (IST)