A briefing paper, Social media, young people and mental health, from the Centre for Mental Health looks at evidence about the impact of social media use on the mental health of young people. It finds that while many studies have focused on the risks and potential harm caused by social media use, there is also evidence of potential benefits. And only by building a three-dimensional picture of the many ways young people interact with social media will we be able to reduce the risks and make the most of the opportunities they present.
The briefing notes that the potential risks to wellbeing include addiction or dependency on social media, often as a substitute for other kinds of social interaction, unhelpful comparisons and jealousy, and bullying. Potential benefits may include the creation of new social connections and opportunities to encourage greater mental health literacy and help-seeking.
The briefing calls on government departments, social media companies and charities to work together to find ways of preventing or mitigating the risks and maximising the benefits to young people’s mental health. This may include changing the way social media platforms work, but also supporting schools and families to help children and young people to navigate social media safely and making greater use of the opportunities to promote good mental health and speedy help-seeking.
Things about CBT...
This study investigated possible predictors of long-term treatment outcomes in youth with mixed anxiety disorders treated in community mental health clinics. Outcomes were loss of all inclusion anxiety diagnoses, loss of the principal inclusion anxiety diagnosis, and changes in youth- and parent-rated youth anxiety symptoms. Predictors encompassed youth, parent and demographic factors, and post-treatment recovery. The most consistent finding was that low family social class predicted poorer outcomes. Higher treatment motivation was associated with better outcome whereas a diagnosis of social anxiety was associated with poorer outcome. Identified predictors extend on previous findings from efficacy trials, and the results indicate a need for more specific treatment protocols.
Things about eating disorders...
This review addresses the question of whether the offspring of parents with past or present eating disorders have adverse outcomes. Given the relatively high incidence of eating disorder history in individuals of childbearing age, research into its potential effects on children is necessary. However, the methodological shortcomings and a limited evidence base caution in drawing conclusions. Nevertheless, mental health services should address the possible problems that these children face and offer tailored programs.
Things about health in England...
The second annual report combining data and knowledge with information from other sources to give a broad picture of the health of people in England in 2018. This report summarises the health of people in England in 2018 and provides an update to the first Health Profile for England (published 2017). A new addition for this year’s report is the inclusion of forecast data for several key indicators, for the 5 years up to 2023 and a separate chapter on the health of children in the early years. As a society, people are living longer but often in poorer health and stubborn inequalities persist. Good health is about much more than good healthcare – a high-quality education, a warm home, and a good job are just as important to a healthy standard of living.
Things about Artificial Intelligence...
A new ‘state of the nation' report about the use of Artificial Intelligence in health and care has found that we are only beginning to unlock the potential of AI. The report spotlights some of the opportunities AI creates and shows where it is already being used in projects across the country. It also considers some of the barriers to wider deployment of AI and proposes solutions, including the creation of a “code of conduct” for the sector.
Things about a sustainable health workforce...
The toolkit is aimed at policy-makers, human resources for health (HRH) planners and professionals, and other stakeholders, such as education institutions and those implementing policy. It is intended to support 'Towards a sustainable health workforce in the WHO European Region: framework for action', which adapts the Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030 to the context of the WHO European Region. It is framed around four strategic domains mirroring the themes of the global strategy – education and performance, planning and investment, capacity-building, and analysis and monitoring – and proposes policy options and implementation modalities. The toolkit is formulated to provide Member States with information and signpost to practical materials, such as HRH assessment, policy and planning tools, analytical approaches and case studies, to support their efforts to strengthen HRH in a sustainable way, including through investment in capital and recurrent expenditure. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or compendium.
Things about music...
Sheffield Makes Music this year forms part of the Festival of the Mind events and celebrates the brilliant musical creators, contributors and talent our city has to offer. As part of the national celebrations for BBC Music Day they will be joined by BBC 6 Music's Steve Lamacq who will broadcast his 6 Music drive time show live from the Spiegeltent in Barkers Pool. Throughout the day all around the city centre they will be weaving the sounds of our city via a series of acoustic performances, Opera on the Town Hall steps and various brass, strings and voices in the St Paul's Place pop up band stand. Date: Friday 28 September 2018, 1pm-late
Things to make...
A recommendation from Sarah this week for Vegeree a kedgeree without fish but with roasted aubergines. There are two recipes on this link ...scroll down for the Vegeree.
No comments:
Post a Comment