Description

Children and smartphones can present a range of challenges for parents and carers, and it can be hard to know what’s right for your family. Research shows that social media and the messages children receive during their formative years can shape their beliefs about themselves and the world around them - sometimes negatively affecting their mental health. In this film, we explore some of the potential dangers of smartphones and social media on children’s mental health and share practical advice for how parents can support their children’s wellbeing. You’ll hear directly from children about their own experiences, as well as from Dr. Susie Davies, GP and founder of the PAPAYA charity; Sarah Richardson, a secondary school headteacher; and Julie Eyers, a primary school headteacher - all offering valuable insights from both clinical and educational perspectives. To find out more, visit our website nipinthebud.org to listen to our podcast and view our factsheet on smartphones and children's mental health.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain insight into young people's personal experiences with social media and the potential online harms they face

2. Develop an understanding of the risks smartphones and social media pose to children’s mental health

3. Examine key statistics illustrating the impact of social media on children’s emotional and psychological wellbeing

4. Hear from primary and secondary headteachers about the challenges they observe in schools related to social media use.

5. Explore young people's perspectives on the negative content they encounter online and its effects

6. Understand the role of the dopamine reward system in making social media use addictive for children