The impact of media on youth mental health status

Abstract

Youth spend an average of 4 to 6 hours/day using media, and the vast majority of them have access to a bedroom television, computer, the Internet, a video-game console, and a cell phone. The purpose of the present study is to highlight the effects of media on the health and playing well-being of children and adolescents sportspersons, and media can provide information about safe health practices and can foster social connectedness. The technology landscape has rapidly evolved in recent years, with social media now playing a central role in the lives of youth. Social media has created both significant new challenges and exciting opportunities. Research is beginning to uncover how specific social media experiences may influence youth mental health. However, recent evidence raises concerns about media's effects on aggression, sexual behaviour, substance use, disordered eating, health and change behaviour and academic education and sports skills sports. We provide recommendations for parents, practitioners, the media, and policy makers, among others, for ways to increase the benefits and reduce the harm that media can have for the developing child and for healthy life.