The impact of online space and social media on children
The dark side of the online world
The internet and social media have become an integral part of our lives, particularly amongst young people. Whilst they offer numerous benefits – such as easy access to information and the opportunity to build global connections – the online world also poses serious risks to mental health. Intensive use of social media is linked to rising levels of anxiety, depression and body image issues amongst young people, particularly amongst girls.
A global perspective: The effects of a constant online presence
Worldwide, 15–24-year-olds spend more than five hours a day using social media platforms. This constant online presence exacerbates the phenomenon known as „social comparison”, whereby young people judge their own worth based on the idealised lives of others, reports the Economx.
TikTok
One According to a Finnish study The use of TikTok and other social media platforms may increase the risk of anxiety disorders and the development of a negative body image amongst young people, particularly girls. Of the 1,164 girls taking part in the study, with an average age of 16, 17% showed signs of social media addiction, whilst 37% exhibited symptoms of anxiety. Daily social media use was associated with lower academic performance, higher levels of addiction, increased anxiety and a negative body image.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is becoming an increasingly serious problem amongst young people these days. The UNICEFAccording to a 2020 survey in Hungary, 60% of the children surveyed had been teased online, and 55% of the girls and 27% of the boys had experienced online bullying.
Cyberbullying not only has a detrimental effect on victims’ mental health – for example, it can lead to anxiety, depression or even suicidal thoughts – but it can also have long-term consequences for the bullies themselves. Those involved often do not even realise the gravity of their actions, as online bullying is frequently anonymous. Moreover, the consequences of online bullying can be just as serious as those of face-to-face bullying.
The fact that young people can find themselves in both roles (victim and perpetrator) highlights the importance of this issue, as this phenomenon is not only an individual problem but also a societal one. For this very reason, it is essential that parents, teachers and professionals raise children’s awareness of the consequences of their online behaviour and, within a supportive environment, provide help to both groups: those who cause harm and those who are harmed.
So, what’s the situation here at home?
The According to the index One-third of Hungarian children aged 6–14 use social media regularly, and one in five children may be affected by online bullying.
The Blue Line Children’s Crisis Foundation report from According to the report, an average of five young people a day call Hungary’s only 24-hour youth counselling service – which is available by telephone, chat and email – with thoughts of harming themselves.
Furthermore, questionnaire-based research carried out amongst young people shows that a constant online presence is a major source of stress. The pressure to reply to messages quickly, the „fear of missing out” (FOMO), that is, the fear of missing out This phenomenon, combined with self-assessment based on the number of ‘likes’ and comments, places a significant strain on adolescents’ mental health.
Excessive use of social media not only has a significant impact on young people’s everyday lives, but also puts pressure on their sleeping patterns and mental health. A 2017 research According to the report, 20% of young people aged 12–15 wake up at night to check their social media accounts, which leads to sleep disturbances and daytime tiredness.
Why is it important to address this?
The effects of the online world and social media are particularly worrying because young people’s brains are still developing at this age. The development of emotional regulation, conflict management and self-confidence is closely linked to the environment in which they live their daily lives – including the online world.
This problem does not only manifest itself at an individual level; it also has wider social implications. A generation struggling with a lack of self-confidence, anxiety and constant stress is less able to lead an active, healthy and productive life.
How can we help?
At Élmény Tár, we place great emphasis on helping young people navigate life’s challenges. In our resilience groups, we pay particular attention to teaching children how to manage their emotions and build their self-confidence, so that they are less vulnerable to the negative effects of the online world.
The aim of our work at the Experience Centre is to create balance in young people’s lives: we support them in building connections by making the most of the online world, whilst at the same time helping them learn to protect themselves from harmful influences.