GPs Call for Recognition of Online Trauma as Public Health Crisis

Family doctors in the UK are urging that the trauma children experience from exposure to online content related to self-harm, pornography, and violence be classified as a public health issue. According to the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), the digital harms associated with social media and artificial intelligence (AI) have reached alarming levels and require immediate attention from policymakers and technology companies.

In a pivotal position statement released on January 18, 2026, the RCGP warns that online content is significantly impacting children’s mental health, wellbeing, and development. The organization emphasizes that GPs are increasingly encountering young patients affected by anxiety, low mood, disordered eating, and sleep disturbances linked to their online experiences.

The statement outlines how children today are navigating digital environments designed for maximum engagement, often at the cost of their wellbeing. As noted by the RCGP, “The responsibility for protecting children’s wellbeing must sit with policymakers, regulators, and technology companies, not solely with families or clinicians.”

The RCGP’s intervention comes on the heels of Australia’s recent decision to prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from having social media accounts. In the UK, calls for similar measures are growing, with political leaders advocating for a public consultation on potential reforms aimed at safeguarding children’s online experiences.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the RCGP, highlighted the broader implications of digital exposure. She noted that while the availability of information has increased, so has access to misinformation, complicating the ability of adults and children to discern trustworthy health advice. “As a GP, and also as a parent, this is something I see both professionally and personally,” she stated.

The RCGP’s statement indicates that the consequences of digital exposure are not limited to children alone. Adults are also facing challenges due to unreliable online health information and AI tools that may misdiagnose conditions. The potential for harmful outcomes underscores the need for a collective response from health professionals, technology firms, and regulatory bodies.

In addition to the immediate mental health concerns, the RCGP highlights long-term risks associated with digital exposure during formative years. The organization points out that vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected, exacerbating existing health inequalities. The statement calls for new guidelines for parents and training for GPs to better address these issues.

The urgency of this situation is underscored by a recent meeting of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, during which senior medical professionals described the impact of harmful online content on children’s physical and mental health as a “public health emergency.” An A&E doctor recounted a tragic incident involving a teenage girl who sustained life-threatening injuries after attempting a dangerous act she had seen online.

The RCGP’s emphasis on viewing digital harm as a modern determinant of health aligns with the growing concern over the influence of social media and digital content on young people’s lives. As children increasingly engage with technology, the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate these risks becomes ever more critical.

In conclusion, the RCGP asserts that addressing digital harm should be prioritized in public health discussions. By recognizing the profound impact of online content on children, stakeholders can work collaboratively to foster safer digital environments that promote wellbeing.