According to the findings of a NHS study looking into the mental health of children and young people; nearly one in four young women has a mental illness. These numbers are alarming and are deduced to be based on young girls experiencing body image pressures, exam stresses and the negative effects of social media.
Social media can lead to a global and overwhelming comparison between young people, using a value based system of ‘likes’ and other forms of online interaction. The NHS study found that children aged 11 to 19 with a mental health problem were more likely to use social media. Nearly a third of them spent over four hours a day on social media, those who did not suffer from a mental illness spent significantly less time on social media.
As this problem has been recognised and possible causes have been identified, the next line of enquiry lies in a solution. The NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care are placing the improvement of children’s mental health care as a priority. However many children referred to community services are turned away or waiting times last over six weeks.
National mental health director Claire Murdoch calls everyone who works with children, whether in the private or public sector, to ‘play their part’ in protecting young people’s mental health. If there is more of a collaborative effect between parents, schools and doctors great strides will be made to protect the mental wellbeing of young people.
Mental Health issues are effecting a large group of vulnerable individuals. This is a topic that should continue to be at the
forefront of discussions.