Twice as many girls in secondary school said they had problems relating to social media use compared with boys, a survey has found. One in five girls aged between 13 and 15 reported problems, such as struggling to limit time on social media or it causing conflict with families and friends, compared with one in 10 boys of the same age. The results are part of one of the largest surveys of school children in Wales. Public Health Wales (PHW), which conducted the study with Cardiff University, said the reason behind the different rates was not clear cut. Students aged between 11 and 16 were asked a number of questions about their social media use. These included whether they neglected other activities such as sport and hobbies to use social media, or whether using social media was always at the forefront of their minds. The different rates for boys and girls was most stark in Year 9 and 10. A total of 21% of girls in Year 10 (14-15 year olds) and 20.5% in Year 9 (13-14 year olds) reported the highest rate of problematic social media use, compared with 10.1% and 9.8% of boys in the same year groups. The overall figure for Wales was 17.1% for girls and 9.7% for boys. Lois, 13, said how much she uses her phone depends on what she has on. She plays sports and goes to clubs and likes seeing her friends at weekends. "I'll go on my phone if I've got nothing else to do," she said. "Sometimes after school, it's nice to be able to sit down and look at what everyone else is doing in the world and not having to think about anything, just watch something. "It surprises me sometimes how fast [time goes], when I sit down and then two hours would go [by] and I didn't realise, and it's kind of shocking sometimes that happens," she added. Beth, 14, said she enjoys looking at what other people are doing and keeping in touch with friends she does not see often. "I think it's good not to have access [to phones] in school, you can socialise with friends more and it doesn't distract you in classes but if you want to contact your parents, maybe it's an issue then," she said. "I don't get distracted by my phone if I do other things such as sport and if I'm downstairs at home, I'll keep my phone upstairs so I don't get distracted," she added. Emily van de Venter is a consultant in health improvement for PHW. She said there were benefits to social media, but a concerning number of young people were reporting negative effects. She also said the problems children were experiencing with social media could be one of the factors behind a rise in depression and anxiety among teenagers. Ms van de Venter said potentially girls were more prone to social comparison. "We do see slightly higher rates of girls reporting they've been bullied - either in person or cyber-bullying - and we see slightly higher levels of girls using electronic devices late at night, for example," she said. "But it is not as clear cut in terms of what is leading to this gender difference." She recommended turning off notifications, avoiding taking devices into bedrooms and not using them before bed. The survey which is carried out every other year asks students in Years 7 to 11 questions about various areas of their lives, including mental health, sex and relationships and school life. 130,000 young people completed this latest survey, carried out in 2023. The problems with young people using social media and smartphones are well documented. AnEstyn report published on 8 Maysaid in a few schools in Wales older girls were displaying more challenging behaviour than previously seen and often had outbursts in behaviour as a result of a breakdown in friendship groups, fallouts from social media activity and low self-esteem. Adebate will take place in the Seneddon 14 May to discuss banning smart phones in schools.
Teen girls report more social media issues than boys
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Survey Reveals Higher Rates of Social Media Issues Among Secondary School Girls"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent survey conducted by Public Health Wales in collaboration with Cardiff University has revealed significant differences in how secondary school girls and boys experience social media. The study, which included responses from approximately 130,000 students aged 11 to 16, found that twice as many girls reported facing issues related to social media usage compared to their male counterparts. Specifically, 20% of girls aged 13 to 15 indicated they struggled with controlling their social media time or faced conflicts with family and friends over their online presence. In contrast, only 10% of boys in the same age group reported similar difficulties. The most pronounced differences were observed in Year 9 and Year 10 students, where problematic social media usage reached 21% among girls in Year 10 and 20.5% in Year 9, while the figures for boys were notably lower at 10.1% and 9.8%, respectively. The survey's findings suggest that social media may be contributing to rising levels of anxiety and depression among teenagers, particularly among girls who are more prone to social comparison and experiences of bullying, whether in person or online.
The qualitative responses from students highlight a complex relationship with social media. For instance, Lois, a 13-year-old, expressed how her phone usage often depends on her schedule, stating that she can lose track of time when engaging with social media. Similarly, 14-year-old Beth noted the positive aspects of social media in maintaining friendships but acknowledged that it can be a distraction. Health improvement consultant Emily van de Venter emphasized that while social media offers benefits, the negative impacts cannot be ignored, particularly for young girls. She pointed out that the issues reported could be linked to higher rates of bullying and late-night device usage among girls. The survey's results coincide with broader concerns about the behavior of older girls in schools, where challenging behaviors have been linked to social media fallout and low self-esteem. A debate in the Senedd is scheduled to address the potential for banning smartphones in schools, reflecting growing concerns over their impact on young people's mental health and social interactions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents findings from a survey conducted in Wales that highlights a significant disparity in social media-related issues faced by teenage girls compared to boys. This information could have broader implications for understanding adolescent mental health and social dynamics.
Purpose of the Publication
The intention behind sharing this data seems to be raising awareness about the specific challenges that teenage girls encounter with social media. By focusing on the differences between genders, the article may aim to instigate discussions around the societal pressures faced by girls, ultimately prompting action from parents, educators, and policymakers.
Perception Creation
The findings could contribute to a perception that teenage girls are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of social media, thereby encouraging a protective approach from adults. This narrative might lead to increased scrutiny on social media platforms and greater advocacy for mental health resources aimed at supporting young girls.
Potential Concealment of Other Issues
While the article sheds light on important issues, it might be diverting attention from other underlying problems such as the overall impact of social media on all adolescents, regardless of gender, or the need for comprehensive media literacy education. By concentrating on gender differences, there is a risk of oversimplifying the broader implications of social media use.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does not overtly manipulate information, but the emphasis on gender disparities could lead to an exaggerated sense of urgency regarding girls' social media use. By presenting statistics without delving into the root causes, it might create a narrative that suggests a need for immediate intervention without addressing the complex factors involved.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears credible as it references a large survey conducted by Public Health Wales and Cardiff University, institutions recognized for their research. However, the lack of detailed explanation regarding the reasons for the disparity in social media issues could lead to questions about the depth of analysis.
Societal Implications
If the awareness generated by this article leads to increased support for mental health initiatives targeting teenage girls, it could foster a more supportive environment. Conversely, if it causes undue alarm, it might result in excessive restrictions on social media use that could hinder positive interactions among peers.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates more with parents, educators, and mental health advocates concerned about the well-being of teenage girls. It may also reach out to community organizations that focus on youth empowerment and mental health.
Market Influence
While the article may not have a direct impact on stock markets or economic indicators, it could influence companies that focus on youth-oriented mental health solutions or social media platforms to consider implementing features aimed at reducing negative impacts on users.
Global Context
This article aligns with ongoing discussions worldwide about the role of social media in youth development. It reflects current concerns regarding mental health and social pressures faced by young people in the digital age.
AI Utilization
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was employed in writing the article. However, if AI tools were used for data analysis, they might have influenced the interpretation of findings, particularly in constructing narratives around gender disparities.
Conclusion on Manipulation
The article does not appear to be overtly manipulative, but its framing of the issue could lead to a skewed understanding of social media’s impact on teenagers, especially if readers focus solely on gender differences without considering the broader context.
The overall analysis suggests that the article is reliable based on its sources, but it could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the topic to avoid simplistic conclusions.