Social media sites ‘add to loneliness’

Young say technology replacing face-to-face links

THEY were supposed to allow people to instantly connect with friends and relatives.

But it seems that instead of keeping people connected, social media sites are contributing to rising levels of loneliness across Scotland.

A survey found that a third of 18 to 24-year-olds said the technology is causing them to feel isolated as it has replaced face-to-face contact.

And more than two-thirds of young people say loneliness has had a negative impact on their mental health.

There are fears the research carried out for the Mental Health Foundation points to an ‘imminent mental health storm’ as relationships and social connections are eroded by the use of sites such as Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter.

The charity’s director of development, Isabella Goldie, said: ‘Loneliness among younger people is hugely under-reported but our research is clear that social isolation affects the mental health of young people more than any other age group.

‘Our children are finding life harder to navigate than previous generations and, worryingly, they are living with high levels of distress.

‘Relationships and social connections remain at the heart of what makes and breaks our mental health.

‘A child’s ability to communicate and form relationships is vital right from the point that they enter the education system if they are to thrive at school.’

A recent study by the NSPCC found counselling sessions to help Scots children deal with suicidal thoughts had leapt by almost a fifth over a year.

The charity said the ‘inescapable’ intrusion of social media, turbulent home lives, domestic abuse and school pressures all triggered the cries for help.

The Mental Health Foundation’s survey revealed that half of those questioned said they felt depressed when they feel lonely, with 42 per cent saying it leads to anxiety.

Miss Goldie added: ‘If the Scottish Government is serious about making 2018 the Year of Young People, then it must place health and wellbeing at the heart of the school curriculum – not at the sidelines as it currently is.

‘Too many of our young people are not thriving and unless we act now, we will face an imminent mental health storm.’

The charity said loneliness can contribute to depression and is a well-known factor in suicide.

Its study of 250 young people found more than eight in ten said spending time with others improves their mental health.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Mental health is a priority for this government and we have invested over £50million in a package of support to enhance mental health services, including child and adolescent mental health, and deliver the action needed.’

‘Living with high levels of distress’