A recent report from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in the UK has raised significant concerns about the impact of social media and technology on young people’s health, drawing a stark comparison between social media usage and smoking. The report highlights the growing issue of excessive screen time among youth, which is becoming increasingly linked to various health problems.
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The Academy’s findings are based on a survey of 132 medical professionals, over half of whom reported observing at least one case of harm each week that could be attributed to social media and digital device use. These harms are not limited to mental health issues; they also encompass physical injuries associated with the misuse of technology. Particular examples cited include the treatment of young individuals who engaged with harmful content online, leading to cases of overdoses and symptoms related to non-fatal strangulation.
Academy chair Dr Jeanette Dickson expressed the urgency of the issue in her foreword, suggesting that the detrimental effects of constant exposure to technology have mobilised healthcare professionals. She compared the awareness and concern surrounding social media to past public health campaigns aimed at reducing smoking and promoting seat belt use, indicating a united front among medical practitioners.
Dr Emily Sehmer, a consultant child psychiatrist, also contributed to the discussion in the report, stating that mental health services are overwhelmed with referrals for children exhibiting anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and behavioural issues directly linked to online engagement. She lamented the problematic expectation for children to navigate digital spaces filled with harmful, addictive content without sufficient guidance.
The Academy is advocating for a systematic approach wherein healthcare providers routinely inquire about young patients’ digital habits. The call to action extends to lawmakers, urging them to implement measures that would mitigate the adverse effects of social media and screen time on youth. The UK government is currently deliberating potential regulations to safeguard young individuals, including proposals to restrict social media access for those under 16, following the example set by Australia.
In addition to government considerations, schools across the UK are increasingly enacting measures to limit mobile phone use, with recent legislation in England aimed at making such bans enforceable during school hours. These initiatives are in response to growing evidence linking smartphone use to a myriad of academic and health-related challenges faced by students.
Moreover, a recent American study corroborates these concerns, indicating that over half of teenagers experience reduced sleep quality due to smartphone usage late at night. This lack of rest not only affects their physical health but also their cognitive performance in educational settings. Additionally, another study released towards the end of 2025 warns that children acquiring smartphones before the age of 12 are at a higher risk for developing health issues, including obesity and depression.
The parallels drawn between social media usage and smoking underscore the urgency for a collective response to the phenomenon. As parents, educators, and health professionals grapple with the implications of technology use on young people, it is evident that proactive measures are required to protect their well-being in an increasingly digital world. The findings of the Academy’s report represent a crucial step in recognising the potential dangers of social media and seek to prompt necessary action from society at large. Efforts to foster a healthier relationship between youth and technology will be paramount in promoting mental and physical wellness for future generations.