Senior doctors in Britain have warned that social media poses a serious threat to children’s health, comparing its dangers to smoking and road safety risks. Medical experts are now urging lawmakers to introduce stronger protections for young people against the harmful effects of excessive screen time and online exposure.
The warning was issued by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges as part of its submission to the UK government’s consultation on child online safety. The consultation, focused on improving protections for children using digital platforms, concluded on Tuesday.
According to the medical body, concerns over children’s unrestricted access to technology and social media have become one of the few issues that strongly unite healthcare professionals across the country. The organization, which represents 23 royal medical colleges and faculties in the UK and Ireland, stated that doctors are increasingly witnessing the harmful impact of digital platforms on young people’s physical and mental well-being.
A survey involving 132 doctors highlighted growing concern over technology-related harm among children. More than half of the respondents said they encounter at least one case of tech-related harm every week, while over one-third reported seeing such cases several times weekly. Doctors described a range of problems linked to social media and internet exposure, including emotional trauma caused by violent online content and physical injuries connected to dangerous online trends.
The UK government is currently considering several strict measures aimed at reducing children’s social media use. Proposed steps include banning social media access for children under 16, introducing app curfews, limiting screen time, and restricting addictive platform features designed to keep users engaged for long periods.
The debate follows similar international actions, including Australia becoming the first country to ban social media access for children under 16. Several European nations are also reviewing comparable restrictions.
Despite growing support for tighter regulations, experts remain divided over whether a complete ban would be effective. Some young people in London have also voiced opposition to strict restrictions, arguing that social media remains an important part of modern communication and daily life.
Also Read: Austria Plans Social Media Ban for Under-14s
