Two-thirds of pupils would not mind if social media did not exist

Almost two-thirds of secondary school pupils would not mind if social media had never been invented, a new survey has found.

As reported by Tes, young people are increasingly putting down their smart phones and ditching the use of social media.

Seventy-one per cent of more than 4,500 pupils that took part in the survey - commissioned by the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and Digital Awareness UK - said that they have undergone “digital detoxes” to escape social media.

The survey indicates that social media affects emotional wellbeing. For example, 28 per cent of respondents said they had received abusive comments online from strangers; 56 per cent admitted being on the edge of social media addiction; and 52 per cent said that social media makes them feel less confident.

Chris King, chair of HMC and headmaster of Leicester Grammar School, said: “The findings of this poll may surprise teachers and parents, but it will help them understand the pressures young people feel in the digital age.

“It is fascinating to see the first indications of a rebellion against social media and reminds us that they may need help to take breaks from its constant demands.”