Social networks as a psychosocial risk factor in the child and adolescent population.

Abstract

The use of social networks in the child and adolescent population has increased significantly during the last decade, influencing both positively and negatively. Although social networks provide us with learning tools and facilitate our communication, they also drastically affect our mental and physical health and our way of relating to each other. Social networks have become a fundamental part of the daily life of young people, however, 1 in 5 young people say that social networks negatively affect their psychosocial development. It is vital that, as a society, a good use of social networks is encouraged from an early age, promoting digital education and informing about the risks it has on the mental health of young people. Creating safe environments, strengthening self-esteem and developing new skills also play an important role in reducing the consequences of excessive use of these digital platforms. It is possible to take advantage of the benefits of social networks while protecting the well-being, identity and emotional development of the child and adolescent population.