Following the publication of the UK Government’s latest research into children’s social media use and wellbeing, HPFSS member and Consultant Paediatrician Dr Sanjiv Nichani appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss what the findings mean for children’s health.

The Government’s research found that many children reported feeling happier, calmer, and less stressed after completely removing their social media use, and spending more time with friends and family.

In this interview, Dr Nichani explains why these findings reflect what many healthcare professionals are seeing in clinical practice. He discusses the growing evidence linking excessive social media use with children’s mental wellbeing, sleep, attention and development, highlights the importance of boredom for healthy childhood development, and shares why he describes TikTok as “TikToxic”.

Watch the interview to hear Dr Nichani’s perspective on why children’s digital environments have become an increasingly important public health issue.