In this fast paced social media-fuelled society we live in, we have to remind ourselves of the dangers of spending too much time on social media and the very harmful effects it can have on our mental health.

Last week Associate Leader Mr Abusef led some very thought provoking and powerful assemblies highlighting the dangers that can cause so much stress, anxiety and poor mental health.

He reminded all students that the majority of images on social media are doctored and edited to look better than they are and that we should avoid at all costs comparing the reality of our own lives with that posted online.

He explained to students that highly paid individuals are employed as Attention Engineers to create powerful algorithms to grab the attention of young people through their social media feeds – analysing their watching habits and feeding that never-ending cycle of sometimes very negative and harmful viewing, which can became extremely addictive as well as damaging.

The addiction that is started is then further fuelled by hormones in our body such as dopamine, and the addiction loop continues.

His message was be very careful and be wise.

He wasn’t saying stay off social media completely but he encouraged all of us to find that healthy balance – something to be very aware of.