Slightly more than half of junior-high students in Taiwan feel worried about their futures, with heavy social media use a major factor driving that anxiety, a survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation found.
The non-governmental organization said in a news release earlier this week that 50.1 percent of the junior-high students surveyed said they felt “worried about their future” and 39.1 put pressure on themselves to achieve future goals.
In addition, nearly one-sixth, or 16.4 percent, said they felt depressed more than once every week, while 9.2 percent reported difficulty falling asleep and 8.8 percent experienced headaches.
Photo courtesy of the Child Welfare League Foundation
Moreover, 37.7 percent of students were addicted to social media and were three times more likely to experience physical and mental problems, the survey showed.
Social media have become “shackles” causing considerable harm to the mental health and lives of young people, the foundation’s statement said.
The group’s findings were based on 747 questionnaires issued between Dec. 8, 2023, and Jan. 12 last year among junior-high students aged 13 to 15 across the nation.
Less than half, or 46.6 percent, of respondents said they could discuss problems with their families, which the foundation said was concerning, because children with limited family support are nearly twice as likely to exhibit emotional distress.
To “create a friendly environment of understanding and support for children,” the foundation recommended that the government expand online counseling resources, and consider incorporating mental health assessments into regular youth screening programs.
It also suggested that parents exercise with their children and that young people take advantage of online resources offered by the foundation, such as “online talking services.”
People experiencing suicidal thoughts are advised to call the 1925, 1995 or 1980 hotlines for help.
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