Senior British doctors have warned that social media is becoming a major public health threat to children, comparing its dangers to smoking and the introduction of seatbelt laws.
In a submission to the UK government’s consultation on online child safety, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the medical profession is increasingly united over the harmful effects excessive screen time and unrestricted access to digital platforms are having on young people.
“There can be few issues which have united clinicians so resoundingly in recent years as the impact that unfettered exposure to tech and devices is currently having on children and young people’s health,” the organisation said.
The academy, which represents 23 medical royal colleges and faculties across the UK and Ireland, reported that more than half of 132 surveyed doctors encounter at least one case of technology-related harm in children every week. More than a third said they witness such cases several times a week.
Doctors highlighted a wide range of concerns, from physical injuries linked to children imitating violent or explicit online content to serious mental health consequences caused by exposure to disturbing material on social media platforms.
The warning comes as Britain considers stricter controls on children’s use of social media. Proposals under review include a possible ban for under-16s, nighttime curfews, app usage limits and restrictions on platform features accused of encouraging addictive behaviour.
Australia became the first country last year to ban social media access for children under 16, while several European nations are examining similar policies.
Britain’s existing Online Safety Act already requires technology companies to shield children from harmful and illegal content online. However, the government has signalled it is prepared to introduce tougher measures.
“The question isn’t whether we are going to act; we will,” Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told BBC News. “Whether that is a ban on social media for the under-16s or restrictions on key features and functions.”
At the same time, hundreds of British families are participating in trials that test the effects of social media bans, curfews and screen-time restrictions on children’s sleep, school performance and family relationships.
Despite growing political pressure for tighter regulation, experts remain divided over whether a complete ban would be effective. Some young people have also voiced opposition to new restrictions, arguing social media plays an important role in their daily lives and social connections. Photo by Solen Feyissa, Wikimedia commons.
