Young Brains and Screens
18 Jan 2024 16:15h - 17:00h
Event report
While the power of technology offers many opportunities, it also poses challenges and risks, particularly for the mental well-being of children and young people.
What is the latest science on the impact of social media on children’s and teenagers’ brains and what is needed to keep them safe in the digital age?
More info: WEF 2024.
Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Full session report
Shyam Bishen
The impact of screen time on the brain health of young people is a pressing issue causing concern. Excessive use of digital devices, known as hyperconnectivity, can lead to anxiety and self-esteem problems in youth. These negative effects highlight the necessity to address the problem and find potential solutions.
Recognising the complexity of the issue, a multi-stakeholder discussion involving academics, researchers, the private and public sectors, and youth themselves is considered necessary. This collaboration allows for a comprehensive understanding of the problem and the ability to work towards effective solutions.
One positive aspect of this discussion is the emphasis on collaboration. Involving different stakeholders ensures a holistic approach when addressing the impact of screen time on brain health. It allows for a broader perspective and diverse expertise, enabling the discovery of solutions.
Furthermore, it is crucial to establish proper guidelines and guardrails for screen technology, particularly in educational settings. While technology can be beneficial for education, it should be used cautiously and under the appropriate circumstances. Implementing guidelines would enable young people to benefit from technology while mitigating potential risks.
Additionally, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is actively participating in this discussion. The WEF’s strong initiative focused on mental health highlights the global significance of this issue. Their involvement emphasizes the urgency and importance of addressing the impact of screen time on the brain health of young people.
In conclusion, the impact of screen time on the brain health of young people is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. Engaging in a multi-stakeholder discussion involving academia, the private and public sectors, and youth themselves allows for a comprehensive understanding. It is essential to establish guidelines and guardrails for screen technology, particularly in education, to ensure a balanced and responsible use of digital devices. The involvement of the World Economic Forum adds weight to the significance of this discussion and underscores the need for collective action to address this issue.
David Kenny
David Kenny strongly advocates for the imposition of regulations on streaming platforms and social media. He believes that the increasing personalization in technology negatively impacts teenagers’ mental health by contributing to feelings of loneliness. Kenny argues that human connections are crucial for mental well-being, and he considers social media to be antisocial due to its role in promoting isolation. He recognizes that implementing regulations may take time, particularly in the United States where there are currently no laws governing these platforms. However, he highlights the pressing need for responsible consumption and production. Kenny suggests that responsible rules can be enforced by advertisers who invest in these platforms, and he cites the Global Association for Responsible Media as an example. He also believes in the potential of social media to help tackle the issue of stigma surrounding mental health. Kenny emphasizes the importance of creating better alternatives to harmful content and engaging communities. Involving parents and teachers is also crucial in combating the negative effects of technology on adolescent mental health. He advocates for reducing the stigma attached to mental health and increasing awareness through sharing personal stories. Kenny asserts that mental health needs to be treated and encourages early detection and help-seeking. He views mental health as a disease that can be treated, and he believes in the collective responsibility and community engagement to solve social problems. Overall, David Kenny’s arguments highlight the impact of technology, the need for regulations, the importance of human connections, and the promotion of mental health and well-being.
Audience
In the analysis, several speakers discuss different aspects of mental health among adolescents. One speaker argues that social media can actually facilitate healthy conversations about mental health challenges among youth. They point out that many teenagers are open about their struggles on social media, such as self-harm or suicide marks. This openness can serve as a form of acceptance and self-expression, encouraging others to share their own experiences and seek help. The sentiment towards this argument is optimistic, suggesting a positive view of the potential benefits of social media in addressing mental health issues among young people.
On the other hand, another speaker highlights the negative impact of pop culture on perceptions of mental health. They argue that pop culture frequently uses terms related to mental health, such as ‘mental breakdown’, in a casual or superficial manner. This trivialisation and desensitisation of mental health issues can undermine the seriousness of these problems and make it harder for those struggling to be taken seriously. The sentiment towards this argument is critical, reflecting concern over the harmful influence of pop culture on understanding and addressing mental health.
The analysis also delves into the question of the right age to give a child a smartphone. It is acknowledged that smartphones are here to stay, and there is pressure from the younger generation to have access to these devices. However, the analysis does not provide a specific argument or conclusion on this topic, leaving the question open-ended. The sentiment towards this argument is neutral, indicating a lack of strong opinion or consensus.
There is also a discussion on the critical period of early adolescence in terms of brain development and the risk for mental health concerns, particularly for girls. While the analysis does not delve into specific arguments or evidence, it recognises that this period is crucial and poses a higher developmental risk. The sentiment towards this point is negative, highlighting concern over the vulnerability of early adolescents, particularly girls, in relation to mental health.
Lastly, the analysis mentions the audience’s agreement with the speaker’s viewpoint on addressing mental health concerns among adolescents and their search for practical ways to tackle these issues. However, no specific arguments or evidence are provided to support this stance. The sentiment towards this point is positive, indicating a shared desire to take action and find effective strategies to address mental health concerns among young people.
Overall, the analysis presents a range of viewpoints on mental health among adolescents, covering the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media, the influence of pop culture, the age appropriateness of smartphones for children, the critical period of early adolescence, and the audience’s interest in practical solutions. It raises important questions and considerations, providing valuable insights for understanding and addressing mental health challenges in young people.
Julie Inman Grant
Online safety for children is a major concern, with cyberbullying and coercion being prevalent. Online crime and harassment targeting children is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. It is alarming that children are given access to digital devices at a very young age, with 42% having access at the age of 2, and 94% by the time they’re four. This early exposure to technology increases their vulnerability to online risks.
One of the key solutions to ensure children’s online safety is through preventive measures and education. Establishing safe internet practices for parents of children under the age of five is important in guiding them on how to protect their children online. It is essential to teach digital resilience, critical reasoning skills, respect, and responsibility to children from a young age.
Technology companies also have a crucial role to play in protecting users, especially children. They should enforce their own terms of service and adopt a safety by design approach. This includes embedding virtual seatbelts and erecting digital guardrails to prevent harm before it occurs. By taking responsibility and developing safer technologies, these companies can contribute to a safer online environment for children.
However, it is important to strike a balance between allowing children to benefit from technology and protecting them from its dangers. While technology can be a source of creativity and exploration for many children, it can also present grave dangers. The permissive use of technology by parents during the pandemic has led to increased risks for children. It is crucial for parents to be cautious and vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activities.
Online safety education is challenging but necessary. Many parents find it difficult to navigate this issue, and only a small percentage have developed resources over the years to address it. However, it is encouraging that efforts are being made to involve youth in the content development for online safety. This approach recognizes that young people resonate better with authentic content and can contribute valuable insights in addressing online safety issues.
It is not only children who need to be educated about online safety but also grandparents who are increasingly tasked with caring for their grandchildren. As kids often use technology more freely at their grandparents’ homes, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary knowledge and guidance to ensure their safety.
Regulating technology platforms is a lengthy process that requires careful consideration. Despite efforts to regulate for several years, it is still a challenging task. Factors such as revenue, reputation, and regulation play a role in bringing about change. However, it is important to continue working towards effective regulation to protect children from online harm.
In conclusion, ensuring online safety for children is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Preventive measures, education, responsible design by technology companies, and active involvement of parents and caregivers are key in creating a safer online environment for children. By addressing this issue, we can protect children from cyberbullying, coercion, and other online risks and promote their overall well-being.
Angelique Kidjo
Excessive screen time and reliance on digital devices are pressing global issues that extend beyond developed countries. These problems are exacerbated by the lack of digital data companies and legislative interest in Africa, hindering efforts to effectively address the issues. The negative sentiment towards these problems arises from the detrimental effects they have on individuals’ well-being and the potential consequences for society.
Another contributing factor to current societal woes is capitalism and its dismantling of community structures. The capitalist system necessitates individualism, creating an environment where manipulation and exploitative situations thrive. This negative sentiment reflects a critical perception of the capitalist system and its impact on society, particularly in terms of reduced equality.
Parents play an important role in protecting their children from the harmful effects of digital overexposure. Encouraging children to read books and nurturing their brains through alternative activities can mitigate the negative consequences of excessive screen time. This positive sentiment emphasizes the need for proactive parenting in the digital age.
Mental health issues in Africa require urgent attention and resources. Despite the prevalence of mental health problems in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a lack of funding and willingness to address the issue. This negative sentiment underscores the need for investment in mental health services and support systems in the region.
Regulation is seen as a necessary measure for social media platforms. Concerns about the rapid erosion of shared humanity, the impunity of social network platforms, and the inadequate safety measures provided by telephone banking in Africa contribute to the negative sentiment towards unregulated platforms. This argument supports the need for robust regulation to protect individuals, particularly children, from harm.
Delaying the introduction of cellphones to children and encouraging reading is believed to have positive effects. The personal experience of Angelique Kidjo, a well-known musician, is cited to support the notion that delaying cellphone use until the age of 17 and fostering a love for reading can be beneficial. This positive sentiment highlights the importance of prioritizing quality education and alternative activities for children.
The need for transparency in black box algorithms is raised due to concerns about issues such as the reflection of user biases in chat platforms and the existence of racial bias in facial recognition technology. This negative sentiment calls for increased transparency and accountability in algorithmic systems.
To address these challenges, bold and courageous solutions are required. Although no specific details are provided, this positive sentiment reflects the sense of urgency and the belief that transformative actions are necessary.
Angelique Kidjo advocates for the creation of alternative platforms to mitigate the harmful effects of the internet. This positive sentiment suggests the importance of promoting truth and positivity through alternative online spaces to counteract the destructive elements prevalent on current platforms.
Good parenting is considered crucial in guiding children against the negative aspects of the internet. Parents are encouraged to provide alternatives to harmful content and demonstrate the difference between positive and negative online experiences. This positive sentiment underscores the influential role parents play in shaping their children’s interactions with the internet.
Angelique Kidjo is strongly against the negation of human rights on internet platforms, such as indiscriminate cancellations and cyberbullying. This positive sentiment aligns with the belief that human rights should be upheld in all realms, including the digital world.
The importance of family meals as a time for connection and bonding is emphasized, with the sentiment being positive. Angelique Kidjo, drawing from her personal experience, highlights the significance of family coming together during meals to strengthen relationships.
Privacy is valued in teaching children about technology, and the positive sentiment towards privacy is demonstrated through Angelique Kidjo’s influence on her child’s online behavior. Her child reads everything thoroughly before accepting anything online and refuses to use applications or services that require excessive personal information.
Curiosity, reading, and listening to music are promoted as alternatives to excessive online engagement. These activities are believed to foster knowledge, diversity, and critical thinking, leading to a positive sentiment towards their implementation.
Community collaboration is considered essential, with a positive sentiment prevailing. The importance of coming together as a community is emphasized, although no explicit details are provided.
Lastly, caution is advised regarding children’s phone use. Although no supporting facts are provided, this neutral sentiment indicates a cautious approach to screen time and digital device use in childhood.
In summary, excessive screen time and reliance on digital devices are global concerns that extend beyond developed countries. Capitalism is viewed negatively due to its impact on community structures, and parents play a crucial role in protecting children from the harmful effects of excessive digital exposure. Urgent attention and resources are needed to address mental health issues in Africa, and regulation is necessary for social media platforms. Delaying cellphone use, promoting reading, and fostering alternative activities are seen as positive approaches. Transparency in black box algorithms and bold solutions are called for. The creation of alternative platforms, good parenting, and the upholding of human rights on the internet are advocated. Family meals, privacy, curiosity, and community collaboration are valued while caution is advised regarding children’s phone use.
Gillian R. Tett
The analysis explores the impact of screen time and hyperconnectivity on youth mental health, presenting various perspectives and concerns. Gillian Tett expresses concern about the prevalence of mental health issues among students who spend significant time connected to screens. She advocates for addressing the problems associated with excessive screen time, based on her personal observations.
Nevertheless, Tett also acknowledges the potential benefits of technology in education and recognizes its valuable role in enhancing students’ learning experiences. She also notes the positive impact of social media and online influencers in supporting mental health recovery. Therefore, Tett promotes a balanced approach that considers both the potential risks and benefits of technology and screen time.
The analysis also highlights Angelique Kidjo’s argument for regulating technologies like ChatGPT and social platforms such as TikTok. She emphasizes the need to ensure the safety of children and teenagers on these platforms, particularly concerning harmful content, sexual discrimination, and harassment. Kidjo’s position supports the importance of effective regulations to protect vulnerable users.
On a more positive note, the analysis underscores the transformative potential of social media for teenagers grappling with mental health issues. Many teenagers are willing to openly share their challenges and journeys on social media platforms, creating a sense of community and support. This aspect is viewed as surprisingly encouraging and positive.
Additionally, the analysis emphasizes proactive communication with teenagers as a means of prevention and crisis management. It suggests that teenagers may be more comfortable discussing their friends’ experiences, thereby offering a potential cry for help. Parents are encouraged to engage in open discussions with their teenagers, even prior to a crisis, in order to gain insights into their well-being.
In summary, the analysis emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to the impact of screen time and hyperconnectivity on youth mental health. While concerns about excessive screen time and inadequate regulations are raised, the positive aspects of technology, social media, and effective communication are also highlighted. By considering these factors, it is possible to promote the mental well-being of young people.
Kathleen Pike
The mental health issues among adolescents have been on the rise for more than a decade, with increasing rates of anxiety and depression. This alarming trend has become a major concern for experts. Many adolescents are reporting significant symptoms of anxiety and depression at certain points in their lives. In fact, suicide is now the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents. This negative sentiment is further supported by the fact that rates of anxiety and depression have been increasing even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the main contributing factors to the mental health crisis among adolescents is the lack of accessibility to mental health services. There is a growing demand for these services, but many adolescents are not getting the help they need. This has resulted in an increase in emergency department usage as adolescents seek help in times of crisis. Additionally, a large population of adolescents are experiencing a lack of motivation and a loss of purpose, further exacerbating their mental health issues.
Social media has also been identified as a potential factor in the mental health issues among adolescents. The widespread access to smartphones and the influence of platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram have had a significant impact on adolescents’ lives. While it is unclear whether excessive use of social media is directly causing mental health issues, there is some data that suggests a link. Vulnerable individuals are more likely to spend excessive time on social media and engage in activities that are detrimental to their mental health.
On the topic of social media, it is worth noting that the relationship between its usage and mental health issues is still not fully understood. While there is acknowledgement of a correlation, determining causation is a complex matter that requires further research. Current data suggests that low social media usage may not have a significant impact on mental health. Thus, it is important to adopt a cautious approach when drawing conclusions regarding the role of social media in adolescent mental health.
Another significant aspect of adolescent mental health is the impact of video games and social media on brain development. These forms of entertainment are designed to stimulate and reinforce our brains. While this can be engaging and enjoyable, it is crucial to develop alternative activities that not only stimulate the brain but also have a positive impact on mental health.
One potential solution to address the mental health crisis is community collaboration. When schools and communities work together to tackle the issue, data shows that children are happier, healthier, and make better food choices. Implementing measures such as “no cell phone” policies in schools have shown remarkably beneficial results. By uniting in their values and collectively working towards reducing reliance on social media and video games, communities can create a healthier and more supportive environment for adolescents.
Business owners also play a role in addressing adolescent mental health. They should adopt a mental health filter when designing products, considering whether they would want their own children or grandchildren to use their products. Prioritising mental health in product design can help mitigate the negative impact on adolescent mental well-being.
Additionally, it is important to recognise that there are greater developmental risks for early adolescent girls. Brain development during this stage makes them more vulnerable to precipitating mental health concerns. This emphasises the need for targeted interventions and support for girls during this critical period.
Lastly, inclusive communication and community building can play a key role in fostering child safety and a better understanding of the impacts of the internet. Conversations should not just be limited to kids, but should extend to their friends and the wider community. By building a community with shared values, children can feel more supported and empowered, leading to potential impactful changes in their mental well-being.
In conclusion, the rising mental health issues among adolescents are a pressing concern that requires attention and action. From addressing the lack of accessibility to mental health services to examining the potential impact of social media and video games, and promoting community collaboration and inclusive communication, various strategies can be implemented to support the mental well-being of adolescents. It is crucial to continue research and drive collective efforts towards creating a healthier environment for adolescents to thrive.
Speakers
AK
Angelique Kidjo
Speech speed
177 words per minute
Speech length
1277 words
Speech time
434 secs
A
Audience
Speech speed
198 words per minute
Speech length
236 words
Speech time
72 secs
DK
David Kenny
Speech speed
188 words per minute
Speech length
1006 words
Speech time
322 secs
GR
Gillian R. Tett
Speech speed
201 words per minute
Speech length
1952 words
Speech time
584 secs
JI
Julie Inman Grant
Speech speed
181 words per minute
Speech length
1622 words
Speech time
537 secs
KP
Kathleen Pike
Speech speed
150 words per minute
Speech length
1305 words
Speech time
522 secs
SB
Shyam Bishen
Speech speed
154 words per minute
Speech length
521 words
Speech time
204 secs
Related event
