Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, hosted a Chat & Chew session focused on the risks social media poses to children. The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, highlighted the Government’s focus on youth mental health and its importance in addressing the challenges young people face in the digital age.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, MP, and the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP. The session brought together youth advocates, school counselors, mental health professionals, and experts in digital safety and technology.
Premier Burt opened the discussion by acknowledging the growing concern around inappropriate and violent content online, the pressure for social validation, and the impact these factors have on young people’s mental health. He emphasized that while the Government often focuses on budgets and operations, the ultimate goal is to serve the next generation. He noted that the youth mental health initiative, introduced as part of the $25 million Mid-Year Budget Review in 2024, spanned multiple ministries, and boosted investment for community organisations tackling youth mental health.
Premier David Burt stated: “This conversation is also part of our wider commitment to youth mental health. The youth mental health initiative, introduced as part of the $25 million Mid-Year Review last year, encompassed multiple Ministries and provided investments in mental health.” Premier Burt continued by stating, “As a parent, I think about the world my children are growing up in. I am extremely concerned about the inappropriate and often violent content in online spaces, the constant need for approval that social media breeds, and the impact that this can have on a young person’s mental health.”
The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson followed with remarks that reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the need for continued investment in mental health services. She stated, “Our children are facing unprecedented challenges in the digital age. The pressures of social media, ranging from cyberbullying to the quest for validation are impacting their mental health, reducing real-world interactions and fueling negative feelings through unrealistic comparisons and stressful online dynamics. This isolation can worsen anxiety, depression, and overall mental health. As a government, we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help our youth navigate these challenges.”
The Chat & Chew series aims to bring together experts in their fields to inform the development of policy and practical solutions. This collaborative approach reflects the Government’s broader commitment to youth wellbeing and digital safety, and underscores the importance of addressing one of the most pressing issues facing children today.