While each platform has its benefits, it’s important to remember that social media can never be a replacement for real-world human interaction. Being socially connected to others, face to face, can ease stress, anxiety, and low mood, while boosting self-worth, happiness and self-esteem.
If you’re spending an excessive amount of time on social media and feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness are affecting your life, it may be time to review your online habits and find a healthier balance.
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Reduce time online: turn your phone off at least 30 minutes before you go to bed.
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Change your focus: try a new activity/hobby instead.
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Spend more time with offline friends: set some time aside each week to meet with friends.
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Take time to reflect on your habits/routines and how they are making you feel.
Remember that bullying in any form is not okay. If you are being sent messages that are abusive or making you feel negative about yourself in any way, then block and report the people involved, or at least mute them instead.
Where to go for help and advice:
youngminds.org.uk