Scroll Free September - RSPH Campaign
The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) are encouraging all social media users (not just young people!) to take part in ‘Scroll Free September’; an opportunity to take a break from all personal social media accounts to help reflect on our use of social media.
With its almost universal reach and unprecedented ability to connect people, social media has huge potential to support good mental health and wellbeing. However, many people are increasingly concerned about the potential negative effects of social media, including anxiety and depression, negative body image, cyberbullying, poor sleep and FOMO (fear of missing out).
By going ‘Scroll Free’ for a month, adults and young people will have a chance to reflect on our social media use – what they missed, what they didn’t, and what they got to do and enjoy instead. By taking notice of and learning which elements of social media make us feel good and which make us feel bad, participating in Scroll Free September could help build a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media in the future – a relationship where use is conscious and mindful, and where we are the ones in control.
Going ‘cold turkey’ may be too challenging for many social media users, so the RSPH are encouraging a range of different approaches to help make participation easier!
Educational settings may want to give involved in the campaign and encourage learners, staff and parents/carers to take part. The campaign content (links below) could be useful for stimulating classroom discussions and DSLs and curriculum leads may wish to consider encouraging their whole setting community to sign up to take part at part of the new school year!
