Social media pests harassing children

Young people are being pestered by unwanted messages as senders do not take no for an answer, research has found.

Figures show that 31 per cent of girls and 27 per cent of boys have been sent offensive content or unwanted messages, even after they asked the sender to stop.

The Children’s Society and Young Minds, which compiled the figures, said they were evidence that social media could be damaging to children’s mental health.

Sarah Brennan, the chief executive of Youngminds, said social media caused “constant pressure to create a personal brand from a young age, live their lives in the public eye and be constantly available”.

The research was carried out ahead of a parliamentary inquiry into social media and mental health, led by Alex Chalk MP, which begins this week.