Top doctors in the UK are warning that social media poses health risks for young people, comparable to smoking. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has urged healthcare professionals to routinely assess screen time and social media usage during consultations with younger patients. This recommendation comes as the government considers new regulations for under-16s, including potential bans on certain platforms.
The consultation has sparked significant public interest, with over 70,000 submissions from parents and advocacy groups. Many are calling for stricter age verification and features that limit harmful content, such as disabling infinite scrolling. The government is expected to respond to these concerns by the end of the year, potentially leading to significant changes in how children access social media.
While some campaigners advocate for outright bans, others argue that such measures may not effectively protect children. Reports from Australia suggest that children can still access restricted platforms, raising questions about the effectiveness of bans. The debate continues as families affected by social media-related tragedies push for stronger regulations.
As the government prepares to take action, parents should be aware of the potential risks associated with social media use among children. Monitoring screen time and discussing online safety with kids could become increasingly important as new regulations are implemented, highlighting the need for proactive engagement in their digital lives.
Source: BBC News
