This symposium will explore some of the evidence for the mental health (MH) impacts of the digital world on young people's (YP) digital lives. As part of the RCPsych updated report on technology use and the mental health of children and young people, a number of scoping reviews were undertaken: we will present two of these reviews, and also original research of the impact of sexting on young women’s MH.
Our scoping review of digital technology and self-harm (SH) or suicidality evaluated >50 studies since 2020. Some studies found significant positive associations, others were non-significant and some showed a reduced risk of suicidality or SH. Cybervictimisation, internet use and viewing content encouraging suicide or SH were associated with increased risk, particularly among females. The evidence base remains limited but increased awareness is needed when undertaking clinical assessments.
According to UK data, >70% of young women receive sexts. We explored 27 young women’s perspectives of sexting and impact on their MH in focus groups. Some started sexting in adolescence to seek validation from their peers and improve their body image. Some enjoyed consensual sexting; others found non-consensual sexting to negatively affect their MH, leading to rumination and self-blame. Sending nudes could also cause anxiety due to the potential for sharing without consent. Participants wanted help from trusted professionals or through support groups, and also wanted more parental education.
Finally, a scoping review will be presented of longitudinal data of the impact of gaming on the mental health of YP. This will be discussed within the clinical context of work at the UK’s National Centre for Gaming Disorders which is the first NHS clinic to treat people with difficulties related to gaming. Findings on the diagnosis and treatment of gaming disorder will be presented.
Learning objectives
In this webinar you will:
• learn about the evidence for the impact of digital use and the risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour in young people
• learn about young womens' perspectives on sexting, how this impacts their mental health, and barriers to seeking help
• gain understanding of the evidence for the impact of gaming on the mental health of young people, within the clinical context of an NHS gaming clinic
• better understand the importance of enquiring about the impact of young people's digital lives on their mental health within your clinical practice.
Speakers
Chair: Professor Bernadka Dubicka, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York
Dr Jeremy Mccabe, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leatherhead
Dr Gloria Cheung, University of Oxford, Oxford
Dr Stephen Kaar, Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester
Funding
RCPsych International Congress is financially supported by the purchase of exhibition stand packages. A full list of confirmed exhibitors can be found here: Exhibiting Organisations at International Congress 2026
Availability
This webinar is part of the Congress webinar 2026 package. If you attended all four days of Congress, you will have access to these as part of your Congress package. Otherwise the Congress webinar 2026 package can be purchased below.
