Family doctors in the UK are calling for digital harms affecting children to be officially recognized as a public health issue. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) highlighted the detrimental effects of online exposure to self-harm, pornography, and violence in a newly published position statement. This intervention comes in response to the increasing number of children presenting with mental health issues linked to digital content.
The RCGP’s statement emphasizes the growing prevalence of digital harms, which are now seen as significant contributors to various health problems. “In daily practice, GPs and our teams observe the cumulative effects of digital harms over time, including impacts on mental health, sleep, neurodevelopment, behavior, social relationships, and family functioning,” the statement notes.
Call for Action from Policymakers and Tech Companies
The RCGP is urging the government, technology companies, and regulatory bodies to take on a more substantial role in protecting children’s wellbeing. The organization argues that the responsibility for safeguarding children should not rest solely on families or healthcare professionals. Instead, they assert that it should involve a collective effort from policymakers and tech firms.
The position statement describes digital harms as “a modern determinant of health,” highlighting the urgent need for protective measures to support children and their families. This call for action comes after Australia implemented a ban on social media accounts for children under 16, prompting discussions in the UK about similar regulations. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called for decisive action from the UK government, which is expected to announce a consultation on potential measures soon.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the RCGP, expressed her concerns regarding both children and adults being affected by unreliable online information. “Access to misinformation has never been easier, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to discern what is trustworthy,” she stated. The rise of AI-generated content further complicates matters, as patients often receive misleading health advice that can lead to dangerous outcomes.
Real Consequences of Digital Exposure
The statement also highlights alarming cases witnessed by healthcare professionals. One example includes a tragic incident involving a teenage girl who suffered severe injuries after imitating self-harm techniques seen online. Such extreme cases underline the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures regarding digital content.
The RCGP warns that the relentless nature of social media and the pervasive influence of harmful online content contribute significantly to mental health challenges among children. They note that these issues often lead to anxiety, depression, and in some cases, self-harm, as children are exposed to glorified portrayals of dangerous behaviors.
As the RCGP calls for action, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has labeled the impact of screen time and harmful online content on children’s physical and mental health a “public health emergency.” Following a meeting of over 20 senior medical professionals, letters were sent to the UK health and education secretaries detailing the urgent need for intervention.
The RCGP underscores the importance of addressing digital harm as a public health priority, advocating for comprehensive strategies that encompass education, regulation, and support systems to ensure a healthier digital environment for children. As the issue continues to escalate, the collective responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of future generations remains a critical concern for healthcare professionals and society at large.
