Before the end of November 2024, a law prohibiting access to social media to minors aged 16 and below was passed in Australia. The Social Media Minimum Age Bill was proposed due to growing concerns about its perceived impact on young people’s mental health. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that social media platforms “now have a responsibility” to prioritize the safety of children after the legislature was passed. In the same speech, he also cited conversations he had with parents whose kids committed suicide after devastating experiences online.
Cyberbullying, bashing, and harassment have taken a toll on both the old and young. If a single comment can already lead to stress, what more can sustained attacks do to a person’s mental health? According to a study of the World Health Organization in Europe named “Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC),” 15% (one in six) adolescents have experienced cyberbullying. HBSC coordinator Joanna Inchley declared that while the digital world offers opportunities to learn and connect, it also “amplifies challenges like cyberbullying.” WHO Europe Regional Director Dr. Hans Henri Kluge underscored the importance of even small changes to online activities to the health and well-being of many. What steps can we start with to reduce the negative impacts of technology to our well-being?
- Know when you are being bullied. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), we get to assess if how we are treated online has gone too far. “If you feel bad, and it doesn’t stop, then it’s worth getting help,” its cyberbullying tip sheet for teens stated. Feelings of embarrassment, anger, shame, or experiencing headaches and stomachaches are some warning signs not to be dismissed. Seek help from people you trust, including your parents, school guidance counselor, or teacher. Trying to solve matters or making them disappear by yourself can worsen the situation. Having support can help you open up and get the necessary help needed.
- Block toxic people. Unfollow, snooze, or block people who or pages that are not doing you any good. Remove the capability of family or friends who embarrass you through comments or posts. Get rid of your access to sites that trigger negative feelings or remind you of unpleasant experiences. Sites like Meta enable users to report users who bully other users anonymously. Report posts that could be harmful to others, too. Assess situations where you have to report any activity that endangers you. Gather evidence, such as screenshots, if you need to inform the police of your circumstances.
- Make real connections. Get rid of your earphones. Put down your phone. Leave your tablet at home. Be mindfully and truly present during meals, coffee meetups, or even walks around the mall. You may not be experiencing mental health challenges, but someone in your circle could use the company.
- Be a positive voice online. Share inspirational posts, funny quotes, or cartoon strips. Recommend a good series to stream or new restaurant to enjoy. Make technology an instrument for you to spread good vibes.
- Be mindful of your circle. Call out family or friends who are spending too much time online based on your observation. It’s possible that they are not aware of how glued they are to their devices. Request your loved ones to excuse themselves from group chats that go on 24/7. Matters that are not urgent can always wait, especially if you are spending time together on a trip or a meal.
- Lessen screen time. A frequent advice given to online users, especially those who experience changes in their mood or disposition. Numerous studies have correlated loneliness or feelings of isolation to too much screen time. In a 2018 study, the University of Pennsylvania concluded that decreasing time spent online by even 30 minutes can impact well-being positively. Monitor your weekly average screen time and set a target to lessen it. Try turning off notifications for social media apps or logging out of these so you don’t scroll through feeds aimlessly.