18.10.19
RSPH want you to ‘look after your self-ie’ with launch of online resource
Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) had launched a free online e-learning resource called ‘Looking after your self-ie’ as a continuation of this year’s Scroll Free September campaign.
The campaign encouraged an estimated 400,000 social media users across the UK take a break from social platforms for 30 days.
A survey of over 2000 people following the campaign found that the campaign resulted in 96% of people feeling the effects of an improved relationship with social media after the break and 99% would recommend taking part to their friends and family.
70% of participants believed that their mental health benefitted from the hiatus and over half noticed an improved quality of sleep and attention.
The new resource focuses on creating meaningful, balanced relationships with online platforms, using mindfulness and consciousness to put the user more in control.
It covers a range of issues including the impact social media can have on loneliness of the user, self-image, self-esteem, online bullying and poor sleep.
It provides guidance and tips to encourage users to practice self-care during their time on and offline, and RSPH are inviting users to share pictures of themselves taking part in acts of self-care using the hashtag #LookingAfterYourSelfie.
Advice from the organisation include having daily cut-off times to reduce time online, curating a positive feed and paying attention to how certain posts make you feel and pick up self-care acts such as journaling, exercising, meditating or a new hobby.
Shirley Cramer CBE, chief executive of RSPH, said:
“The advent of social media has revolutionised the way in which we communicate and connect with other people and the world around us. Findings from our Status of Mind and #NewFilters reports illustrate that social media has the potential to improve our relationships and general wellbeing, but they also demonstrate the harmful impact it can have.”
“We are delighted to launch this free educational resource, which sheds light on the potential harms and benefits of social media use while providing practical guidance for developing a healthier, more meaningful relationship with social media.”
Kira Wong O'Connor, Public Policy, Instagram, said:
“We want the time people spend on Instagram to be positive and inspiring. We welcome the RSPH’s new e-learning tool and encourage people to manage their time on Instagram using our customisable daily time reminder. We want to give people more control over their experience on Instagram and encourage everyone to establish online habits that are right for them.”