Young people demand better protection from harmful content and misinformation on social media platforms survey finds.
6th December 2024 13:54 - Education
Young people demand better protection from harmful content and misinformation on social media platforms survey finds: A recent study has found that the majority of 12 to 21-year-olds in the UK worry about social media's negative impact on their physical and mental well-being; and believe that social media platforms should do more to protect them from harmful content, misinformation, bullying and fake news.
Commissioned by youth mental health charity stem4, 1,025 regionally representative children and young people (aged 12 to 21) in the UK were surveyed between the 21st and 27th of May 2024. Although a significant majority (86%) expressed genuine worries regarding the detrimental effects that social media apps can have on both their physical and mental wellbeing 40% of respondents confessed that they found it difficult to stop using these apps, climbing to 45% among 12 to 14-year-olds.
Unsurprisingly, over half of those surveyed (59%) believe social media platforms can do more to tackle the misinformation, trolling, inappropriate sexual content, and fake news they are routinely exposed to. Their suggestions for a safer browsing experience include: a ban on profiling young people and algorithms that promote extreme and harmful content, improved safety settings, more fact-checking and stricter penalties for platforms that fail to prevent young people’s exposure to harmful content.
Encouragingly, many respondents said they would like their parents or guardians to take a more active role in their online activities, deeming that increased parental involvement would lead to a better understanding regarding their online interactions, provide essential guidance and support, and be more aware of the online risks children and young people can face online. As one young person asserted: “Parents should know what is and isn’t safe online for their child. At the moment, most don’t.”
Dr Nihara Krause MBE, consultant clinical psychologist, CEO, and founder of youth mental health charity, stem4, commented: "Although banning phones and apps for under 16s may seem sensible, young people will still find ways to get on social media, and their exposure to dangerous and harmful content will continue. Young people need to develop digital skills and be more digitally literate to spot disinformation, know how to get help and stay safe.”
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