A Watford mum has launched a petition demanding social media laws are bolstered to protect children’s mental health.
Suzanne Samaka, 33, wants it to be mandatory to include hashtags where posts have been edited or filtered so that youngsters are not tricked into having unrealistic expectations.
The Barclays employee said she set up the petition, which has already gained over 600 backers, after spotting too many examples of young people suffering with low self-esteem and nothing being done about it.
Suzanne said: “I have personally seen the lasting effects that eating disorders, anxiety, depression and loneliness can have on the lives of young people today.
“Prevention is better than a cure and I fear that society will not have the resources available to support the growing numbers of young people who are affected.”
It has been widely reported that young people have spent increasing amounts of time online during lockdown which campaigners fear is having a damaging effect.
A Royal Society for Public Health survey found 14 to 24-year-olds reporting they were more prone to depression, anxiety, poor body image and loneliness after using social media platforms.
Suzanne continued: “I’m so pleased that the issue is getting the attention it needs but I want to get more tangible action than just awareness.
“One solution to this could be to amend the laws for social media platforms, that if content is filtered or edited then this has to be stated with a hashtag on the post.
“Similarly, when a celebrity is being paid to endorse an item they have to include #ad on their post.”
Since starting the petition Suzanne has been contacted by teachers and parents who have confirmed youngsters have opened up about loneliness and fears of social media perfection.
Children from as young as nine have also reported being body conscious.
Suzanne added: “The more people I speak to about the petition, the more it makes me want to ensure there is change, protection and honesty to give our young people a fair chance in today’s world.
“Do I believe social media is the problem for the challenges in youth mental health? No. Does it exacerbate the problem? Absolutely.”
The petition so far has gained over 600 signatures. To support it visit: https://www.change.org/ChangeSocialMediaLaws
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