Negative social media effects increases worries

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Negative social media effects increases worries

THE psychological imprint left on younger minds due to increasingly negative impacts of social media is becoming a worrying trend.

This was shared by Laisana Ratusokosoko from Lifeline Fiji during the Safer Internet Day deliberations organised by the Online Safety Commission (OSC) in Suva on Tuesday.

She said recent statistics received by the OSC showed that about 38 per cent of complainants (children) admitted to being bullied online. There were also 234 students who underwent counselling at the centre from January 4 to March 31, 2022.

“Bullying is no longer is just in the school corridors and the bus stop or school bus, with the touch of a button cyber bullying can happen,” she said. “Whatever is posted is designed to cause more psychological harm and when it’s out there, sometimes it can be difficult to delete.

“Psychological harm and when it’s reposted, it increases the risk of re-victimisation so we have people that have gone through it and more mental health issues, more depression and anxiety and so on.

“If it’s images or words, they’re not just being affected by strangers but also by family members. “Sometimes we think it’s harmless to watch funny videos online. However, the more time we spend on the internet, it can affect schedules, work, relationships etc.”

According to Ms Ratusokosoko, the internet and social media had its advantages, however, it must be used in moderation to avoid addiction.

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