O2 and Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Charity team together to deliver stark warning against excessive social media use amongst young people in Northern Ireland
The second of Studyseed CIC's information evenings focused on the psychological impact of social media.
On November 22nd, Studyseed CIC hosted a community information evening on the psychological impact of social media. The event was held in Bleary Business and Community Centre, Co. Armagh, and speakers from O2, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Charity and celebrity psychologist Dr Arthur Cassidy gave presentations on the dangers that social media can have on young children and teenagers. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council Lord Mayor Gareth Wilson opened the event, which was attended by parents, local representatives and key stakeholders in education.
O2 provided shocking statistics on the increasing use of social media apps by children. Through interactive presentations, they provided parents with information on how to track and limit the amount of time that children spend accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Every O2 shop has a dedicated Guru who can advise on how to protect children through the phones or tablets that they are using - no matter what network they might actually be on.
A team from the School of Psychology at Ulster University, currently working with Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention charity, provided key information on the danger that excessive social media use has been shown to have on the mental wellbeing of young people. They drew attention to a number of telling psychological changes that parents should be aware of - such as reclusive behaviour, changes in personality and self harm.
Dr Arthur Cassidy, well known for his work on national TV programmes such as Celebrity Big Brother, called for urgent action from health authorities in addressing the sharp increase in children suffering from negative behavioural changes from accessing unsuitable material on the internet. Dr Cassidy also commented on the sharp rise in cases that he has dealt with - even in Northern Ireland alone - that have stemmed from excessive online gaming and inadvertent access to adult content. A study conducted by Middlesex University shows that 94% of children have encountered adult material online by the age of 14 - a shocking figure that Dr Cassidy warns will only lead to increased cases of psychological harm.
For further information on upcoming events or if you or your organisation are interested in taking part in future information evenings, drop us an email at info@studyseed.co.uk.
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