Khang, a 14-year-old high school student, was hospitalized for depression before his entrance exam. This depression was caused by excessive use of social networks and the consumption of negative content. Khang lived with his grandmother, as his parents often worked away from home. His mother noticed that he had failing grades, lacked attention, anger, fatigue and withdrew from social activities. She discovered that he was involved in negative online groups and had access to harmful content that taught self-harm.
During his hospitalization at the Mai Huong Psychiatric Hospital, Khang revealed to the doctor that he found comfort in watching pictures of accidents and bleeding and felt unable to leave social networks. He was diagnosed with social network addiction and severe depression, requiring inpatient treatment. Another case involved a 16-year-old girl who was hospitalized for an anxiety disorder due to excessive use of social networks during her summer vacation.
The World Health Organization defines addiction as a state of dependence on substances or behaviors that leads to the inability to control behavior despite negative consequences. Social media addiction is a common issue in Vietnam, where people spend an average of 6 hours and 47 minutes online daily, with 2 hours and 21 minutes dedicated to social networks. The excessive use of social networks can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression among adolescents.
Experts warn about the negative impacts of social media on mental health, especially in young people. Spending excessive time on social networks can lead to various mental health issues and physical problems. Preventative measures include educating families and schools about the harmful effects of social networks, limiting screen time, promoting real relationships and activities that support healthy mental development in children.
In conclusion, it is crucial for parents to be aware of their child’s online behavior and its impact on their mental health. It is essential for schools to incorporate education on responsible digital citizenship into their curriculums so that students can make informed decisions when using technology.
Moreover, parents should set boundaries around screen time for their children while encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs where they can build real relationships with peers outside of digital platforms.
Finally, it is essential for parents to seek professional help if they suspect their child may be suffering from an addiction or other mental health issues related to social media usage.
Social media addiction is becoming more prevalent globally; hence it’s crucial for individuals
