Film launched to tackle impact of social media on young people's mental health across Malvern Hills - The Malvern Observer

Film launched to tackle impact of social media on young people's mental health across Malvern Hills

Malvern Editorial 18th Jan, 2018   0

A NEW film which deals with the impact of social media on young people’s mental health is being launched as part of Safer Internet Day.

SELFie Where’s the Harm? is a powerful drama that deals with issues including anxiety, eating disorders, depression and self-harm. It also examines the pressure placed on young people by the need to be popular and ‘constantly connected’ on social media.

The film has been adapted from a theatre play and was commissioned by Malvern Hills District Council after the area was flagged as a hot spot for mental health issues among young people.

It has already been made available as a learning resource to secondary schools, community groups and other relevant organisations across Worcestershire and has won praise from teachers and health professionals.




Parents and the wider public will have the chance to view the 25 minute film for the first time when it is shown at two upcoming cyber safety events being held at The Hive in Worcester.

The first takes place on Saturday between 10am and 1pm and the second on Wednesday, February 7– also Safer Internet Day – between 1pm and 5pm.


Advice and guidance will also be available on both days from Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Police about how to keep children safe on the web and protect them from online bullying and harassment.

Coun David Watkins, portfolio holder for healthier communities on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “At any one time 7,000 young people experience mental ill health in Worcestershire.

“It’s important we get the message out to young people they are not alone and there is help out there.

“At the same time parents need to ensure they are aware of the signs and know where to go for support.”

The launch of SELFie Where’s the Harm? comes after a new report from the Children’s Commissioner for England warnerd young people were increasingly unprepared for the demands and pressures of using social media as they got older.

The Life in Likes report found many children in Year Seven become over dependent on likes and comments to validate their sense of worth, become increasingly anxious about maintaining their online image and feel pressured to be constantly connected.

A trailer showcasing the film is available to view on the council’s Facebook page and has already been seen more than 1,800 times.

Any school or community group interested in viewing the video should email [email protected] to request a copy.

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