Sexting, gaming, self-harm and social media: the impact of young people’s digital lives on mental health

Date: Monday 15 June
Time: 2.00pm - 3.15pm

Overview

This symposium will explore some of the evidence for the mental health (MH) impacts of the digital world on young people's (YP) digital lives. As part of the RCPsych updated report on technology use and the mental health of children and young people, a number of scoping reviews were undertaken: we will present two of these reviews, and also original research of the impact of sexting on young women’s mental health.

Our scoping review of digital technology and self-harm (SH) or suicidality evaluated >50 studies since 2020. Some studies found significant positive associations, others were non-significant and some showed a reduced risk of suicidality or SH. Cybervictimisation, internet use and viewing content encouraging suicide or SH were associated with increased risk, particularly among females. The evidence base remains limited, but increased awareness is needed when undertaking clinical assessments. 

According to UK data, >70% of young women receive sexts.  We explored 27 young women’s perspectives of sexting and impact on their mental health in focus groups. Some started sexting in adolescence to seek validation from their peers and improve their body image.  Some enjoyed consensual sexting; others found non-consensual sexting to negatively affect their MH, leading to rumination and self-blame. Sending nudes could also cause anxiety due to the potential for sharing without consent.  Participants wanted help from trusted professionals or through support groups, and also wanted more parental education.  

Finally, a scoping review will be presented of longitudinal data of the impact of gaming on the mental health of YP. This will be discussed within the clinical context of work at the UK’s National Centre for Gaming Disorders which is the first NHS clinic to treat people with difficulties related to gaming. Findings on the diagnosis and treatment of gaming disorder will be presented.

In this session, you will explore:

  • You will learn about the evidence for the impact of digital use and the risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour in young people.
  • You will learn about young women's perspectives on sexting, how this impacts their mental health, and barriers to seeking help.
  • You will gain an understanding of the evidence for the impact of gaming on the mental health of young people, within the clinical context of an NHS gaming clinic.
  • You will better understand the importance of enquiring about the impact of young people's digital lives on their mental health within your clinical practice.

Speakers

  • Chair: Professor Bernadka Dubicka, Hull York Medical School,  University of York, York

  • Digital technologies, self-harm, and suicide in children and young people. What's new? A scoping review
    • Dr Jeremy Mccabe, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leatherhead
    • The perceived impact on the mental health of young women from their experiences of sexting
      • Dr Gloria Cheung, University of Oxford, Oxford
    • Video games and development of mental disorders in young people: an overview of the longitudinal data in the context of clinical experience from the National Centre for Gaming Disorders, UK
      • Dr Stephen Kaar, Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester
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      Please email congress@rcpsych.ac.uk or call 020 8618 4120 with any enquiries.