Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 2026
Quick read Evidence from paediatricians: online harms are impacting children in hospital clinics
The issue
A children’s rights lens provides a useful way to frame the debate on online activity and social media use. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out children’s rights to education, to develop to their full potential, and to protection from violence, abuse and neglect. It also affirms rights to play and creativity, and to freedom of expression and
Paediatricians are increasingly concerned that the digital environment many children are growing up in is not designed with their safety, development and mental health in mind. We are at a crossroads where the UK government could generate appropriate safeguards and ensure children and young people (CYP) can enjoy the benefits of the online world without being exposed to avoidable risks.
access to information through the media. We want to see the UK government use this valuable opportunity to set a clearer direction for how children are protected online, addressing the systems, incentives and leadership needed to support safer and developmentally appropriate digital experiences.
Against a backdrop of growing concern about the impact of online activity and social media use, the College has sought to better understand paediatricians’ views to ensure that any national action places child health at its core. A survey was shared with all RCPCH members through our e‑bulletins and remained open for 3 weeks, receiving 60 responses. Findings were reviewed by a clinical expert group, with open‑text responses thematically analysed by the RCPCH Health Policy team. Although responses came from a self‑selecting group, the clinical expert group (representing our mental health, child protection and digital committees) judged the themes to be reflective of experiences across UK paediatric services.
Being online and social media are separate issues We define online activity and social media as related but distinct. We define ‘being online’ as any activity that involves accessing the internet, and ‘social media’ as platforms or apps that enable users to create and share content and to interact with others. Although there is some overlap, we believe the risks and benefits of each are not interchangeable and require separate consideration and tailored responses. Paediatricians felt social media carries additional risks linked to its design and social dynamics, meaning the overall balance of risk is higher.
We have heard examples and case studies where children and young people’s use of social media is tied to poor mental, physical and emotional health and wellbeing. This, in turn, is driving demand on services and the workload of RCPCH members.
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