Dr Boyce & Alicia explain the risks of social media to your children

Social media can have several negative impacts on the mental health of a child. Here are five significant ones:

1. **Cyberbullying**: Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for bullying and harassment, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts among children.

2. **Body Image Issues**: Constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic images of beauty and success can lead to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, contributing to eating disorders and other mental health issues.

3. **Sleep Disturbances**: Excessive use of social media, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation, which negatively affects mental and physical health.

4. **Addiction**: The addictive nature of social media can lead to excessive screen time, reducing the time available for physical activities, face-to-face interactions, and other essential activities, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.

5. **Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)**: Seeing peers constantly sharing highlights of their lives can create a sense of inadequacy and anxiety in children, feeling that they are missing out on experiences and social activities.

These impacts highlight the importance of monitoring and managing social media use among children to safeguard their mental health.