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The team hopes to bring about increased awareness and understanding of the negative effects social media can have on young people's mental health. By highlighting the risks associated with excessive use, comparison culture, and cyberbullying, the team aims to promote healthier online habits and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health struggles. Additionally, the project seeks to encourage open conversations among peers, schools, and communities about the importance of mental well-being. This is a particular focus for this project group as they have identified a reluctance among the male student cohort in a all boys secondary school to speak openly about their mental health. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a more mindful and balanced approach to social media use, empowering young people to prioritise their mental health.
Our Social Issue
The team within Abbey CBS has chosen to focus on the damaging impact of social media platforms on the mental health of young people in Ireland, a growing concern in today's digital age. The project team recognises that social media, while offering numerous benefits, has been linked to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among youth. Constant exposure to unrealistic aesthetic standards, comparison culture, and cyberbullying has led to negative self-image, feelings of inadequacy, and emotional distress. Moreover, the addictive nature of these platforms encourages overuse, contributing to poor sleep patterns and social isolation. In Ireland, the issue is particularly pressing as reports indicate increasing levels of mental health challenges among teenagers. The team aims to raise awareness of this social issue, encouraging young people to adopt healthier online habits, seek support when needed, and engage in open discussions about their experiences. By addressing these concerns, the project will promote positive mental well-being and resilience among Irish youth.
Why We Chose It
I chose the social issue of how social media influences mental health because it is a prevalent and increasingly relevant topic in today's digital age. With the rise of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, the impact on self-esteem, anxiety, and overall well-being has become a critical concern. Many studies show how social media can lead to feelings of isolation, comparison, and even depression, especially among younger individuals. It is crucial to understand these effects to promote healthier usage of social platforms and encourage more positive online interactions. This issue touches everyone, making it an important area of focus.
Our Goal
My big idea is to explore and address the profound impact of social media on young people, with a focus on its psychological, social, and developmental effects. Social media has become an integral part of young people's lives, shaping their identities, relationships, and perceptions of the world. However, it’s crucial to understand both its positive and negative effects, and to create strategies that can help young people navigate this digital landscape in a healthy and balanced way. One of my primary goals is to raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of social media on mental health. Research has shown that
Our Innovative Action
We have undertaken a survey of students in the school as well as starting an Instagram account. We also created a poster board for school to demonstrate and display the outcomes of the survey
Our Impact
The project has empowered young people with practical tools for managing social media use, reducing stress, and improving self-esteem. By providing a platform for open dialogue, it has helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and social media, fostering a more mindful, balanced approach to digital engagement. While the project has made great strides in raising awareness, there are areas for improvement. One key aspect is expanding outreach to a broader audience, including those who may not actively seek information on mental health or social media use. Additionally, more targeted resources for parents and educators could be useful.