Social media as bad for children as smoking, British doctors say
British doctors have equated the dangers of social media for children to those of smoking, urging lawmakers to address the issue. A survey revealed that many doctors frequently encounter health harms related to technology use among young people. The UK government is considering measures such as age restrictions and curfews to protect children online.
- ▪The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges stated that social media poses a significant risk to children's health.
- ▪Over half of the surveyed doctors reported seeing health harms related to tech and devices weekly.
- ▪The UK government is consulting on potential restrictions for children's access to social media.
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Social media as bad for children as smoking, British doctors saySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMore than half of 132 doctors surveyed saw at least one case of health harm that could be related to tech and devices every week.PHOTO: AFPPublished May 26, 2026, 05:54 PMUpdated May 26, 2026, 05:54 PMLONDON – Social media ranks alongside smoking as a danger to children, senior British doctors said on May 26, as they urged lawmakers to tackle the harm that they say excessive screen time is causing to young people.The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges detailed the impact of social media on children in a submission to the government’s consultation on protecting children online, which closes on May 26.“It ranks alongside smoking and wearing seatbelts in cars as a unifying…
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