New research has revealed a “perfect storm” is leading to a dramatic rise in school students addicted to social media, with usage soaring more than 200 per cent since the pandemic began.
A University of South Australia study tracking more than 14,000 students aged 11 to 14 found young people’s online obsession has now hit record levels, leaving parents fearing the impact on Australia’s most impressionable minds.
The alarming figures show daily social media use has leaped from 26 per cent before the pandemic to a staggering 85 per cent by 2022.
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Authorities are calling it a “perfect storm”, saying lockdowns and social distancing measures left young people with little chance of avoiding the digital trap.
“We have allowed a generation of young people to be the guinea pigs for this technology,” South Australian Education Minister Blair Boyer warned.
The study reveals a dramatic shift in how children choose to spend their time, with much of it now moved online at the expense of traditional activities.
Arts participation and recreational reading have plummeted during the same period. Children who have never taken part in arts activities jumped from 26 per cent to 70 per cent, while those who have never picked up a book increased from 11 per cent to 53 per cent.
“To see these figures show that big explosion in those using it is not a good thing,” Boyer said.
Researchers say a change in habits could be on the way, with the government preparing to roll out its social media ban for children.
The new laws are hoped to have the added advantage of luring children back into the real world, though experts warn that doesn’t necessarily mean all their time will be spent productively.
One parent summed up the dilemma facing families: “I know I’m addicted, but I don’t want my kids to be.”
