Screen Time vs. Green Time: The Surprising Factor in Teen Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Screen Time Vs Green Time

Recently some prohibitionist campaigners made a claim that cannabis legalisation was to blame for increased suicide rates in teenagers. I take serious issue to this due to being a Dad to a teenager who attempted suicide because of online bullying.

Exposure to the online world, especially social media is far more dangerous to the mental health of our teenagers and a much bigger factor increasing suicide rates. There is far more evidence associating social media to negative effects on mental health of not just teenagers but adults alike.

I believe these prohibitionist campaigners are doing the vulnerable in our society a massive disservice by blaming cannabis and cannabis legalisation as the cause of the increase in suicide rates in teenagers. In doing so they are taking attention away from a much more likely cause of the problem and the generation of solutions to that problem.

To show how much of a problem these prohibitionists are causing by abusing their positions/job titles just 2 years ago the royal college of psychaitrists came out saying “ Cannabis is the "gravest threat" to the mental health of young people in Ireland”.

But let's actually explore this utilising Ai (ChatGPT4.0) and compare the threat of social media use by teenagers to the threat of cannabis legalisation.

Existing Research

Cannabis Legalization: Some studies suggest a link between cannabis use and mental health issues in adolescents, but the evidence is not conclusive on it directly causing increased suicide rates.

Online Social Media: There's substantial research indicating that excessive use of social media is correlated with increased mental health issues among teens, including depression and suicidal ideation.

Causality vs. Correlation

Cannabis: Correlation doesn't imply causation. While there might be a relationship, other factors such as underlying mental health conditions can also play a role.

Social Media: Same issue of correlation vs. causation applies here. Mental health is multifaceted and influenced by numerous variables.

Age of Introduction

Cannabis: Generally, exposure might occur in later teen years when it's legalized.

Social Media: Exposure often occurs at a younger age, potentially having a longer-term impact on mental well-being.

Ubiquity

Cannabis: Usage is not as widespread, even in places where it's legal.

Social Media: Almost ubiquitous among teens, which could amplify its effects.

Conclusion

Based on existing evidence, it seems that the introduction of online social media has a stronger correlation with increased suicide rates in teens. However, this is a complex issue that is influenced by multiple factors, and causality hasn't been definitively established in either case.

I then asked the Ai “Given this information would improved education and regulation of social media be more effective at reducing suicide rates of teenagers than preventing cannabis legalisation?”

Impact on Mental Health

Social Media: Studies show a more direct correlation between heavy social media use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in teens.

Cannabis: The evidence regarding cannabis use and suicide rates is less conclusive, particularly concerning legalization.

Prevalence and Accessibility

Social Media: Nearly ubiquitous among teens, making its impact potentially more widespread.

Cannabis: Less commonly used, especially where it's illegal, thereby impacting fewer teens.

Potential for Intervention

Social Media: Education about responsible use and potential regulation (e.g., age restrictions, time limits) could have immediate effects.

Cannabis: Preventing legalization wouldn't necessarily stop use or its potential impacts; it could also introduce other problems like illegal trade.

Long-Term Effects

Social Media: Educational interventions can equip teens with skills to navigate digital spaces healthily throughout life.

Cannabis: Legal status may change over time, and cultural attitudes may shift, making prevention a less stable long-term strategy.

Conclusion

Based on available data, improved education and regulation of social media use for teens appear to be a more effective strategy for reducing suicide rates than preventing cannabis legalization. This is due to stronger correlations with mental health issues, broader impact due to higher usage rates, and more viable avenues for immediate intervention.