Children in danger by harmful internet content
January 27, 2020 · By By Andy McFarlane, BBC News for www.bbc.com
Doctors demand social media data
It can provide instant access to information, communication with friends and online support. Children’s screen time might even occasionally offer respite to frazzled parents. But doctors worry it could harm both body and mind, and report a growing number of children self-harming and attempting suicide as a result of online discussions. Now they are calling for tech companies to be forced to share data and pay a tax to fund further research.
The government is setting up an independent regulator for online safety. And the Royal College of Psychiatrists wants it to require social-media companies to share anonymised data on how youngsters use the likes of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. “Time for… decisive action to hold social-media companies to account for escalating harmful content to vulnerable children and young people,” says report co-author Dr Bernadka Dubicka. Industry body Tech UK points to existing research partnerships, such as a project with the Samaritans to deepen understanding of how people engage with harmful content.
If you’re wondering how to navigate the social media minefield, our report contains psychiatrists’ advice for parents.
