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MPs set to investigate the harmful effects of excessive use of smartphones and social media amid fears for children’s mental health

MPs are probing the possibility that excessive smartphone and social media use may be harmful to kids, conditioning them to depend on likes and attention online

A PROBE on excessive use of smart phones and social media is launched by MPs today amid fears of youngsters’ wellbeing.

It follows reports 95 per cent of 15 year olds use social media sites before or after school.

Young children are increasingly drawn towards social media with 95% of children aged 15 using the apps before and after school
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Young children are increasingly drawn towards social media with 95% of children aged 15 using the apps before and after schoolCredit: Getty - Contributor

Half of nine to 16-year-olds used smart-phones daily.

A damning report from the Children’s Commissioner for England last month found social media apps like Facebook, Snapchat, Musical.ly and Whatsapp are “still not doing enough” to stop younger kids under 13 from using them.

It warned social media was exposing kids to “significant emotional” risks with 12 year olds now dependent on social media “likes” for status.

Anne Longfield’s report found a staggering three in four children aged between 10 and 12 have their own social media accounts - despite the minimum age limit of 13.

Experts fear that social media may be conditioning kids to become dependant on 'Likes'
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Experts fear that social media may be conditioning kids to become dependant on 'Likes'Credit: Getty - Contributor

The “Life in Likes” study said it “was time” social media companies recognised the effects on under 13s and must introduce greater moderation of their sites.

Science and Technology Committee chair Norman Lamb MP said it was vital to understand the impact of screen use and social media on children and young people.

Children ​talk about​ how inappropriate videos on YouTube's Kids App​ make them feel​

He said: “We want to determine the scale of the issues - separating out the understandable concerns from the hard evidence, and to identify what practical measures people are already taking to boost the benefits and blunt the potential harms.

“We want to hear from schools and young people, as well as from the industry and Government.”

MPs are asking children, teachers and parents to submit their stories of how social media and smartphones have impacted them.
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MPs are asking children, teachers and parents to submit their stories of how social media and smartphones have impacted them.Credit: Getty - Contributor

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MPs want written evidence from children, schools and youth organisations on the effect social media can have on young people, as well as what measures, controls and regulation are needed.

The deadline for submissions is Friday April 6.

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