HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 404

Position Statement

• Social media use is justifiably classified as a significant health issue for young Australians.
• Evidence confirms widespread usage, mental health impacts, and cyberbullying prevalence.

Mental Health and Usage Impacts

• Research shows one-third of teenagers aged 13-17 use social media “almost constantly”.
• This demonstrates significant risks because almost 50% of young Australians report negative online experiences.
• Studies indicate strong links between social media and increased anxiety and depression.
• Excessive screen time decreases physical activity, contributing to obesity.
• The significance of this health issue is compounded because it affects both mental and physical health simultaneously.

Cyberbullying and Sleep Disruption

• The eSafety Commissioner identifies cyberbullying as causing serious psychological distress.
• Additionally, excessive use disrupts sleep through blue light exposure.
• The negative health impacts of poor sleep grow in significance due to the direct influence they have on cognitive function and academic performance.
• Evidence confirms these effects further compound existing mental health vulnerabilities.

Reinforcement

• While social media provides benefits like health information access, negative impacts outweigh positives.
• The evidence remains compelling because harm affects the core health areas.
• This justifies urgent public health responses including education programs.
• Classification as significant is warranted given the widespread, multifaceted health consequences.