Jul 24 (Daily Mail) : Teenagers who spend more than two hours a day on Facebook and other social networking sites are much more likely to have mental health problems, a study found.

These range from symptoms of depression, to having seriously contemplated suicide.

It isn’t clear whether the websites are fuelling psychiatric problems or whether youngsters who are struggling to cope seek solace in the internet.

But, whatever the reason for the link, the Canadian researchers say it should not be ignored.

They say that parents should be particularly aware of it.

Teenagers who spend more than two hours a day on Facebook and other social networking sites are much more likely to have mental health problems, a study found

More than 700 secondary school pupils, aged between 12 and 18 were asked how many hours a day they spent on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Instagram.

They were also quizzed about their mental health, including any problems they were experiencing and whether they felt they had enough support.

One in six rated their mental health as poor and one in four had clear symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Those in poor mental health were three times as likely to use social networking sites for more than two hours a day as those with no problems.

Teenagers who had thought about killing themselves were six times as likely to spend a lot of time on Facebook and other sites.

Finally, youngsters who said they didn’t know who to turn to four psychological support were four time as likely to spend on hours on social media.

The researchers, from Ottawa Public Health, said: ‘As social networking sites are increasingly becoming an integral part of life today, especially for children and adolescents, parents need to be aware of the pitfalls of social networking sites and actively engage with young people in making it a safer and more enjoyable experience for them.
‘Parents should consider frequent use of social networking sites as a possible indicator of, or risk for, mental health problems among children.’

Writing in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, the teenager with mental illness may be seeking solace in the internet. Alternatively, the sites may be damaging mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation has previously warned that young Britons’ obsession with social networking sites has created an ‘Eleanor Rigby’ generation that is cut off from family and friends.

It said that the internet can exacerbate loneliness and that nothing can beat face-to-face contact with friends.

Just last week, US research showed that people who are addicted to their mobile phone are more likely to be depressed.
It is thought they play games and surf the internet on the devices to stop them from dealing with the reality of their lives.

In future, apps, or programs that track usage could be used to catch people at risk of depression and ensure they get the help they need.

The Canadian researchers behind the latest study called on social networking sites to provide information on mental health services.