NEW
YORK, June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new
survey from SSCG Media Group, Omnicom Health Group's healthcare
media center of excellence, sheds light on the potential negative
impacts of social media on children's mental health.
The survey, which polled 150 pediatricians from SSCG's
proprietary healthcare professional panel, MAP MD™, found that
social media has been noted as one of the main topics being linked
to mental health discussions with children by 78% of pediatricians.
Some of the biggest risks being observed as it relates to mental
health and social media include body image, cyberbullying,
depression, and anxiety, with "tweens," or children between the
ages of 9 and 12, the most vulnerable.
"Our survey results highlight the profound impact of social
media on children's mental health," said Debbie Renner, CEO of SSCG Media Group.
"Pediatricians are seeing this firsthand in their practices and are
concerned about the potential negative effects of social media on
children's well-being."
The survey also found that pediatricians believe that social
media can have positive impacts on children's mental health. For
example, social media can provide a sense of community and
connection for children, and it can help them feel less isolated,
including children suffering from disease.
"Social media is a double-edged sword for children's mental
health," said Renner. "It is important for parents to be aware of
the potential risks and benefits of social media, and to talk to
their children about how to use social media in a safe and healthy
way."
The survey results suggest a window of opportunity to optimize
children's mental health through early intervention. As
pediatricians are already trusted sources of healthcare
information, they are well-positioned to help parents navigate
the challenges and opportunities that social media presents for
their children. According to the survey, a significant majority
(91%) of pediatricians agree that they should use their influence
as healthcare professionals to educate parents about the social
media impact on mental health.
"Pediatricians can play a vital role in helping parents
understand the impact of social media on their children's mental
health," said Renner. "By working together as allies, parents and
pediatricians can help children develop healthy habits and use
social media in a positive way."
About SSCG Media Group
As the Media Center of
Excellence for Omnicom Health Group, SSCG Media Group
(www.sscgmedia.com) is dedicated to building human connections
between healthcare providers (HCPs), patients, and important
life-science brands by pioneering innovative media strategies that
encourage meaningful conversations and drive better patient
outcomes. SSCG's core media service offerings include Audience
Development, Media Strategy, Planning, Buying of Non-Personal
Promotion (NPP), Research & Strategic Insights and Data &
Analytics. SSCG leverages access to talent, tools and technology
that accelerate brand growth for pharmaceutical clients.
SSCG Media Group is part of Omnicom Health Group
(www.omnicomhealthgroup.com) —a global collective of over 5,000
dedicated healthcare communications specialists. OHG provides
marketing services to the health and life-science industries and is
powered by Omni Health, the first and only end-to-end data platform
designed for the specific requirements of healthcare clients.
About Omnicom
Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) is a leading
provider of data-inspired, creative marketing and sales solutions.
Omnicom's iconic agency brands are home to the industry's most
innovative communications specialists who are focused on driving
intelligent business outcomes for their clients. The company offers
a wide range of services in advertising, strategic media planning
and buying, precision marketing, retail and digital commerce,
branding, experiential, public relations, healthcare marketing and
other specialty marketing services to over 5,000 clients in more
than 70 countries. For more information,
visit www.omnicomgroup.com.
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SOURCE Omnicom Health Group