In 2020 Headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey found rates of psychological distress high among Australian young people, with one in three reporting high or very high levels of distress (34%). This is comparable to the rate seen in 2018 (32%).’ This small but significant increase must surely be deeply concerning to parents, educators and psychologists alike and point to the impact that current pressures have in the minds of young people. The survey itself draws the conclusion that ‘spending too long online is associated with higher levels of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and psychological distress’ therefore we need to acknowledge the possible long-term effects on a young person’s mental health when they are constantly living inside a virtual world.
Psychological well-being comes from living a balanced life where the individual takes time to cater to their own needs (mind, body and spirit) as well as connecting with family, friends, community and the world. If one activity, for example playing video games, takes priority, it follows that life will be unbalanced therefore it is very important for young people to be encouraged to go offline and inhabit the real world each day. Teachers and parents can assist by promoting breaks throughout the day which will be more effective if the individual is allowed to decide the parameters (when, how, why etc) as it provides them with a sense of accomplishment when they take responsibility for their own actions.
Rachel Tee-Melegrito from Medical News Today found significant research suggesting taking a break from online activity may have positive effects on a person’s mental well-being (2022). Creating space to communicate face to face or to spend time in the outdoors or with friends can significantly assist people to differentiate the virtual from the real and help reinforce their identity, values and place in the world. She warns that there are physical signs and behaviours that occur when people don’t have breaks from online engagement. For example, trouble falling asleep, arguments on social media, losing track of time or missing deadlines and feeling overly disappointed or anxious with the number of ‘likes’ on a particular post. To counteract these negative effects Tee-Melegrito advocates engaging with some of the following activities to help fill the void: catching up with a friend in person, learning a new skill, finding a new hobby, practicing mindfulness, meditation or exercising. Activities like these will ultimately promote a more balanced lifestyle.