Most teenagers exposed to use of dangerous substances on social media
According to the survey, out of 1,144 in grades 7-12, a vast majority are exposed to the use of dangerous materials by influencers on social networks.
By OMRI RONThe Instagram application is seen on a phone screen August 3, 2017. (photo credit: REUTERS/THOMAS WHITE)
Roughly 83% of youth are exposed to some form of dangerous substance through social media, according to a survey conducted by the National Student Council which was presented to the Knesset.According to the survey, out of 1,144 children in grades 7-12, a vast majority are exposed to the use of dangerous materials by influencers on social networks, the most common being Instagram.The Knesset committee in charge of dealing with drugs and alcohol, headed by MK Michal Cotler-Wunsh (Blue and White), held a discussion on the matter, where she addressed the problems with the prevalence of these substances on social media and the fact that it's directed at teenagers.In the discussion, committee members emphasized the need for oversight of these sites and networks, to make sure that teenagers can be given the tools to deal with what they are presented with. The committee concluded with the statement that digital tools must be used in order to deal with this problem."This is a situation of an addiction within an addiction: We are getting addicted to social media in which there is also an exposure to addictive substances," said Cotler-Wunsh. "It's a difficult challenge to endure and to find out if the influencer received any benefit for advertising such a thing. This phenomenon is becoming ever more complex due to features such as the 'story' where one can upload things which are quickly removed.""As we know, social media has a great influence over teenagers, their behavior and the behavior of those around them. As such, we can say that the influencers have a great influence with the content they make as those who are moving social media sites," said Dvir Ben-Ze'ev, head of the student council."This means that if [teenagers] are exposed to the usage of dangerous materials one way or the other, it will encourage them to do the same," he said. "It's especially apparent during the coronavirus pandemic: As they stay at home and are ever more exposed to social media, it creates an endless cycle."In terms of exposure, we have mostly seen these things in stories and live broadcasts on Facebook and Instagram," Ben-Ze'ev said.
