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Thank you to all parents who came to this event. Before we begin, I want you to picture a scene with me. Imagine your teen, alone in their room, but not really alone. They are connected to a world filled with infinite interactions, comments, likes, and messages. This place, seemingly harmless, is often a battlefield where their self-esteem, mental health, and sense of security are constantly under attack. Today, I am here to prove an extreme issue: how social media platforms have significantly contributed to the rise in mental health issues and bullying among our adolescents. Cyberbullying has become a harsh world for many adolescents. This is evident as Accumulate Australia states 79% of young Australians aged 10-18 have experienced online bullying including name-calling, spreading rumours, and receiving unwanted graphic images. This kind of harassment doesn’t just hurt their feelings momentarily; it leaves forever lasting scars. The National Institutes of Health or the NIH for short has found that young adolescents who experience cyberbullying are over four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or attempts compared to those who aren’t bullied online. The relentless gravity of online harassment heightens stress, anxiety, and depression, trapping our youth in a relentless cycle of emotional and mental anguish. It doesn’t just stop there. Social media has been proven to be highly addictive, increasing mental health issues among teenagers. Headspace conducted a survey and showed that 42% of Australian students cite social media as the cause of poor mental health with an additional 57% of them believing their mental health is deteriorating. The constant engagement on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat isn’t merely a pastime; it's a compulsive behaviour. Yale Medicine highlights that this obsession disrupts sleep patterns and raises anxiety, contributing to depression. Moreover, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health points out that social media creates negative feedback loops. Teens chase validation through likes and comments, and when these are not reciprocated, they experience feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This continuous pursuit for outside approval wears down their mental health and well-being, making them feel constantly unsatisfied and miserable. Now, I want to look at the other side of the coin for a moment. Social media does allow for positive social interactions and support networks between friends. For some teens, it can also be a strong platform for mental health awareness and learning, providing access to resources and support groups that might be otherwise unavailable to them without social media. While these benefits are real, they do not offset the considerable risks and negative effects associated with serious social media use and cyberbullying. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the effects social media has on mental health are primarily negative and are still increasing year after year, showing no signs of slowing down. While social media offers some possibilities for positive interactions and support, it’s not worth the risk we should be making due to its destructive impacts on mental health it brings to our growing teenagers. Cyberbullying and the addictive nature of these platforms drastically contribute to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among teens. As parents, it is crucial to be cautious and active in managing your teenager's social media use. Encourage open conversations about their online experiences, set healthy boundaries, and promote offline opportunities that build self-esteem and resilience. By taking these steps, we can take a step forward in mitigating the hostile effects of social media and defend the mental health and well-being of our children.