31st July 2024
Given the current focus of Government on social media as a priority and in response to feedback on our recent Social Media Policy Brief written in conjunction with our youth advisory group (YAG), we have joined with eight partner organisations working with young people to produce a consensus statement: Youth Mental Health and Social Media: A Joint Position Statement by Australian mental health focused organisations working with young people. The statement will be released at 3 pm on Wednesday 31st July. The signatories to the statement are: aracy, batyr, Beyond Blue, headspace, Orygen, Prevention United, Project Rockit and ReachOut.
As a collective we are aware that social media can have a negative impact on mental health. However, social media can also be protective in facilitating connectedness and sense of community. As a collective, we believe that age-based social media bans are unlikely to be effective and could have potential negative consequences. The position statement outlines key areas for consideration by policy makers which seeks to balance the concerns of families and communities with the needs and priorities of young people.
For further information don't hesitate to get in touch with Prevention United CEO suzanne.dick@preventionunited.org.au (0434 120 982).
About us:
Prevention United is a registered health promotion charity that focuses on the promotion of mental wellbeing and the prevention of mental health conditions. We work collaboratively with other mental health organisations on areas impacting the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Contact details:
suzanne.dick@preventionunited.org.au (0434 120 982).
