No âmbito do projeto "Take a Minute, Take Five", subcategoria "Speak up your mind", publicamos hoje uma reflexão sobre o impacto da tecnologia na saúde mental dos jovens, da autoria de Catarina Alves, 9ºB.
Esta reflexão assume relevância numa altura em que vários países europeus discutem um limite de idade para aceder às redes sociais (após o exemplo da Austrália, em dezembro de 2025).
The impact of digital technology on young people's mental health
Today, digital technology is very important in young people's lives. Young people use smartphones, social media and digital platforms every day. These tools change the way they communicate, learn and see the world. These tools bring many opportunities, but there are also worries about mental health.
Recent studies show that many young people spend several hours a day looking at screens, often more than just school work. This can cause more anxiety, stress, problems with concentration. When young people use electronic devices before sleeping, it affects their sleep quality. The blue light from screens stops melatonin production, which is important for good sleep.
Another important problem is comparing themselves to others on social media. Young people see perfect photos and videos, and this makes many of them feel bad about themselves. They develop low self-esteem. There is also FOMO - Fear of Missing Out. This means young people are afraid of missing important experiences, so they need to check their phones all the time.
However, digital technology also has positive things. It gives easy access to information and educational resources. Young people can find online support communities and use social media for activism and social participation. Also, learning technological skills is very important for their future in school and work.
Because of these problems, many countries have created initiatives to help young people use technology better. Some schools limit mobile phone use and create technology-free spaces. These measures show positive results in students' health and school performance. In Portugal, there are also programmes that teach young people to use technology in a healthy way.
So, the main challenge today is finding a balance between digital life and real life. Technology is not bad - it is a powerful tool, but people need to use it responsibly. Young people should set limits, value face-to-face meetings with friends, and spend time doing funny activities without screens. These are important steps for good mental health and happiness.
Catarina Alves no.4 9B
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