Children’s mental health charity YoungMinds, Alex Chalk, MP, and The Children’s Society, have published the results of their enquiry into the impact of cyberbullying on children and young people’s mental health.
More than 1,000 children and young people aged 11-25 took part in the survey which looked at what social media companies are doing to tackle bullying on their platforms, and whether the industry is doing enough to protect children and young people on their sites.
A panel of MPs, Peers and other experts lead the inquiry which was made up of an online survey and 3 evidence sessions in the Houses of Parliament.
Issues that the inquiry looked at include:
- The effect of online bullying and harassment (including through instant-messaging) on children and young people’s mental health.
- Measures currently taken by social media to tackle online bullying.
- What more can be done to make social media a safer space for children and young people's mental health.
The report identified a number of issues that need to be addressed to ensure that social media companies play their part – together with Government, schools, families and industry – in creating a digital environment that limits the prevalence of cyberbullying and its negative impacts on children and young people.
We have made a number of recommendations to social media companies, and to the Government to ensure that the online world is a safe and enjoyable place for children and young people.
