Safeguarding Child Mental Health in Social Media and AI Era.

What happens when you can’t turn it off: Safeguarding Child Mental Health in the Age of Social Media and AI.

Children today are growing up in an unprecedented technological landscape full of wonder and opportunity. However, the apparently limitless benefits of being online bring with them a darker side in respect of mental health concerns. Studies highlight a clear correlation between social media exposure and depression and anxiety, specifically in teenagers. Added to this is cyberbullying which can inflict lasting trauma and extreme negative behaviour including drug use and suicide.

Research suggests social media may be “rewiring adolescent brains” in harmful ways (Boyd, 2021). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures the small changes in blood flow that occur with brain activity. Research using fMRIs reveals social media lights up regions associated with social cognition – but overstimulation may impair functioning (Sherman et al., 2022). Teens also describe obsessive behaviours around optimizing feeds and self-presentation, seeking validation through likes and comments (Marwick & Boyd, 2022).

Surveys further indicate that over 25% of teens have experienced harassing texts, posts or DMs, with effects comparable to in-person bullying (Raskauskas & Stoltz, 2022). Anonymity and 24/7 access make online bullying particularly vicious with victims suffering anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Unintended, subliminal bullying traits have been suggested in the context of AI as augmented reality filters on social apps have the potential to negatively impact mental health, particularly in teenagers. A study by Common Sense Media found face-altering filters prompted perceptions of body dissatisfaction in a majority of teens (Duckworth, 2022) with youth perceiving an artificial ideal that they are unable to equal.

Protecting child mental health in the digital age necessitates a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy. At the forefront of this approach is South View School, where a collaborative effort between parents and educators has been pivotal. The school sets clear social media boundaries and actively engages in open discussions about the risks associated with online activity, thereby significantly mitigating potential threats to students’ mental wellbeing.

At South View School, there is a strong emphasis on modeling healthy digital use. This not only helps in setting a positive example for students but also demonstrates practical ways to maintain a balanced online-offline life. Understanding that some children might still be adversely affected, the school provides robust support systems. These systems are designed to empower students, helping them navigate through the complexities of an increasingly screen-dominated world.

Furthermore, South View School places a high priority on training its counselors and teachers. This training equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively incorporate strategies for digital wellness and mental health support into their daily interactions with students. Recognizing the changing landscape of digital interaction, the school has integrated a curriculum that emphasizes digital literacy with a strong focus on emotional intelligence and resilience.

This approach reflects South View School’s commitment to not just academic excellence but also to the holistic development and safeguarding of its students in an era where digital and emotional literacies are intertwined. By fostering these high competencies in digital literacy and emotional understanding, South View School serves as a model, demonstrating how educational institutions can play a crucial role in safeguarding child mental health in the digital age.

With support from tech companies who themselves need to review, upgrade, and enforce practical safety standards for teenagers especially, the future, informed by the growing access to information and, more importantly, information use, can offer unlimited gains for all. With vigilance, care, education and by working closely with parents, schools can support the safeguarding of wellbeing in children as they develop. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.