As the Government continues to tease a complete social media ban for under-16s, many are questioning how such a move could affect teenagers, given that stepping away from social media can initially trigger withdrawal-like symptoms. Even adults often find it difficult to resist the temptation to constantly check their phones.
“While social media withdrawal is not formally recognised in the same way as withdrawal from substances, the experience can feel very real, particularly for teenagers and young adults,” Dr Vica (Victoria) Khromova, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cygnet Health Care, said.
