Released on Tuesday 18 September, the Director of Public Health’s report informs local people about the health of their community, as well as providing necessary information for decision makers i...
Released on Tuesday 18 September, the Director of Public Health’s report informs local people about the health of their community, as well as providing necessary information for decision makers in the local public sector on health gaps, inequalities and priorities that need to be addressed.
The theme of this year’s report is the impact of social media on the health and wellbeing of Warwickshire’s young people.
Read the report and watch the animation.
In total, Over 2,000 of Warwickshire’s young people responded to a survey asking how they use social media and the ways that it affects them. Some of the findings include:
-89% of young people in Warwickshire use social media
-69% of young people in Warwickshire said they felt included and connected to friends through social media
-55% of young people in Warwickshire said they could be themselves on social media
-58% of young people in Warwickshire do not think the amount of time spent on social media affects their physical activity
-44% of young people in Warwickshire are inspired to be active by what they saw on social media
-68% of young people in Warwickshire say they would stick up for a friend if they were being bullied on social media
-31% of young people in Warwickshire say social media affects the amount of sleep they get
Dr John Linnane, Warwickshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “I wanted to use this year’s report to ask “WhatsApp’ening’ in Warwickshire?” and hear the voice of our young people to find out their thoughts about social media and how it impacts their health and wellbeing. I am very proud of the fact we got the views of over 2000 of Warwickshire’s young people, more than most national studies. ”
Cllr Les Caborn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, said: “I see this report as a helpful resource which should be shared with our schools, parents and adults responsible for young people as well as services that support young people. We need to be more aware of the positive and negative impacts of social media on our young people and harness the opportunity social media has for connecting with our youth.”
The report is available at: warwickshire.gov.uk/publichealthannualreport
What do you think of the report? We welcome your feedback. Go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dphannualreport2018 and let us know what you think.