There is a youth mental health crisis; rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm are rising among young people, and in the U.K. almost one in four young women in their late teens has a mental health disorder.

This crisis coincides with a new ‘digital environment’ arising over the last decade, where being online and using social media has become integral to young people’s lives. This has fuelled societal and media concerns that digital technology has contributed to the youth mental health crisis.

Social media use has been associated with depression, suicide and self-harm, particularly in girls and marginalised groups. Potential mechanisms include social isolation, disturbed sleep, cyberbullying and pressures to conform to idealised lifestyles and body images. However, policy recommendations have been hampered by research showing small effects of uncertain causal direction.

In contrast, for many young people who are isolated and have mental health problems, the digital world can be an important source of health information, knowledge, social and therapeutic support.

Professor Hollis will reflect on the need to balance the benefits and risks of digital media use for youth mental health, and will present research and public policy recommendations in a recent report from the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists which aims to make the on-line world a safer and more supportive place for young people.

Biography:

Chris Hollis is Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Nottingham, Director of the NIHR MindTech MedTech Co-operative www.mindtech.org and leads the NIHR Nottingham BRC Mental Health and Technology Theme.

Professor Hollis works as a Consultant in Developmental Neuropsychiatry with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and leads a regional lifespan neurodevelopmental service, including a Tourette’s Clinic and Adult ADHD Clinic based at Queen’s Medical Centre. His clinical and research interests include ADHD, Tourette syndrome, early onset schizophrenia and the development, evaluation and implementation of digital technologies to support better mental health.

As Director of MindTech, Chris is passionate about harnessing digital technology and building its evidence-base in mental healthcare by bringing together patients, clinicians, academics and technology developers.

This public lecture is supported by the Rotary Club of Downtown Auckland, with the generous sponsorship of the Ted and Mollie Carr Medical Travel Fund.

Event details:

Date: Monday 17 February

Time: 6-7pm

New venue: 505-007, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Grafton Campus, 85 Park Rd, Grafton

Register using button above.