Social Media and the Rising Cases of Self-Harm Among Youth
Experts at Bach Mai Hospital have warned families against the negative impacts of social media on children's mental health and the rising cases of self-harm.
Doctors at the Institute of Mental Health of Bach Mai Hospital drew attention to the negative impacts of social media on youth, evaluating the risks that push vulnerable children into a cycle of self-harm.
Critical Warnings from the Institute of Mental Health
Experts from the Institute of Mental Health at Bach Mai Hospital held an informational session addressing the psychological impacts of social media on youth. Doctors emphasized that many young people today consciously or involuntarily engage in self-harm.
The Case of a 15-Year-Old Female Patient
Brought to the hospital by her family with cuts on her arms, 10th-grade student MA stood out as one of the young patients receiving treatment at the institute. Found in an introverted and depressed state, the patient was reported to have experienced a severe drop in academic performance.
The Process of Retreating into the Online World
Experiencing academic pressure and a breakdown in family communication, MA detached from real life and took refuge in her smartphone. Initially used for entertainment, the phone quickly became the young person's entire world.
The Negative Content Cycle of Algorithms
The worsening mood of the teenager searching for negative videos led platform algorithms to continuously recommend similar content. With her feed filled with hopeless words and videos romanticizing loneliness, MA was exposed to this content for hours at night.
Viewing Physical Pain as Stress Relief
Following an argument with her family, MA cut her arm with a razor blade for the first time, stating that this physical pain made her forget the pain in her head and felt like a pressure release valve.
The Sharing Cycle Formed in Virtual Groups
Over time, continuing to cut her wrists whenever she felt stressed, MA shared photos of her wounds in an anonymous online group. The empathetic comments she received in this virtual community laid the groundwork for her to justify her behavior.
Treatment Process and Depression Diagnosis
Discovered by her family just as she was about to cut her wrists, MA was admitted to the Institute of Mental Health. Diagnosed with depression as a result of evaluations by experts, the patient's health began to improve with treatment.
Expert Advice and the Importance of Family Communication
Dr. Nguyen Thanh Long stated that social media is not the sole cause but increases the risk. It was emphasized that families and schools must establish open communication, observe changes in children, and consult an expert if necessary.