British Medical Association react to tougher action regarding social media

Social Media

Tougher action needed to curb ‘frightening’ rise in social media related mental health issues amongst young people, warns BMA responding to Royal College of Psychiatrists report.

Responding to a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists which calls for social media companies to hand over their data for research into harms and benefits of social media use, BMA mental health policy lead Dr Andrew Molodynski, said,

“The rapid rise in social media related mental health issues among young people is frightening and as this report highlights, there is a need for those in positions of power to ensure greater protection for young people online.

 “The speed at which the internet has gathered paced has meant that safeguards have not been effectively implemented as can be seen in self-harm related content visible to at-risk individuals including children and adolescents. 

 “As well as implementing binding standards compelling social media networks to prevent the active promotion of self-harm and suicide, social media networks should be mandated to implement safeguards for self-harm related content with appropriate penalties, including prosecution, for failure to do so.

“At the same time, we must recognise and work to understand and enhance the positive support and sense of community that social media can bring to vulnerable and isolated people.

“The Government and social media companies have a responsibility to protect young people from the risks of social harm which can, unfortunately, have fatal consequences and we need to see action now.”

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