Social media worse for girls

YOUNG FEMALES HAVE TO BE FAR MORE CAREFUL OF THE TIME THEY SPEND ONLINE

GIRLS are more than twice as likely as boys to show signs of depression linked to social media use, a study shows.

Spending hours on the likes of Facebook and Instagram can cause low self-esteem and problems concentrating and sleeping.

Heavy users, especially girls, are more likely to cry a lot, said researchers who are urging parents to limit children’s phone use.

The University College London team quizzed 11,000 14-year-olds on their social media exposure and emotions over two weeks.

About 18 per cent of girls online for one to three hours a day were found to have clinical signs of depression compared with 7 per cent of boys.

For those online five hours or more – one in four girls, and one in eight boys – this rocketed to 38 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

Study leader Professor Yvonne Kelly said: “Families may want to reflect on when and where it’s OK to be on social media and agree time limits. Curfews for use and the overnight removal of mobile devices from bedrooms might be something to consider.”