KIDS’ COMPARISONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA TAKE TOLL
YOUNG people constantly comparing themselves to others on social media are more likely to suffer mental health problems later in life.
A landmark study of more than 500 school students in Years 6-8 found social anxiety can run riot when kids log on to Instagram and other social media platforms.
Macquarie University professor Ron Rapee said because social media was so visually based “it allows those comparisons far more easily done in everyday life”.
“Those kids who use social media a lot – and in such a way that they are constantly comparing themselves to those who they think are better off than them – they are the ones that appear to have mental health difficulties down the track,” the psychology expert said.
“Our research was particularly looking at social anxiety.”
It is estimated that one in five people will have a common mental disorder in 2020, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Of these, anxiety disorders (such as social phobia) were the most prevalent, afflicting one in seven (14.4 per cent) of the population.
Professor Rapee said upward comparisons related to appearance seemed to be strongly linked to negative body image and ultimately to eating disorders.
But he added a child’s genetics and experiences growing up would have the strongest impact on a child’s social anxiety levels.
He advised against blocking kids from using social media.
But Sydney mother-of-four
Michelle Nunura disagrees, being one of the rare breed of parents who have insisted on a complete social media blackout for her kids, aged 9-14.
“I feel like social media desensitises kids,” she said.