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In an emotional plea for change, Jane Johnson is advocating for a ban on social media use for children under 16 after the tragic loss of her son, Leo, who took his own life at just 19 years old. With growing concerns over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, Johnson’s story resonates as both a personal tragedy and a call to action for policymakers to reconsider regulations surrounding digital platforms.
A Life Full of Promise
Leo Johnson was known for his adventurous spirit and sociable nature. As a teenager, he embraced the outdoors, taking up scuba diving, a passion that ultimately led him to pursue an Oceanography degree in Plymouth. His mother, Jane, recalls her son’s excitement for life and his eagerness to explore the world. However, beneath this vibrant exterior lay a troubling reality; as Leo transitioned into university life, he became increasingly preoccupied with his smartphone.
In November 2022, during his second year, Leo was diagnosed with depression. He began to recognise the detrimental effects of social media on his mental health and decided to delete his accounts, sharing with friends that he felt it was harming him. Sadly, just three months later, he took his own life.
The Struggles Behind the Screen
Jane Johnson believes the pervasive nature of social media contributed significantly to her son’s struggles. It wasn’t a specific harmful trend or dangerous content that led to his demise, but rather the ongoing culture of comparison that characterises many online platforms. She describes a “drip, drip, drip” effect, where constant exposure to the curated lives of others left Leo feeling dissatisfied and numb.
“Leo was aware that social media wasn’t good for him,” Jane said, reflecting on how he often compared his life to others’. “He felt he wanted more than what he had, even though to us, he was living an incredible life.” Leo’s academic achievements and adventures in diving were overshadowed by the unrealistic standards set by social media influencers and peers online.
After his diagnosis, Leo attempted to reclaim his mental health by reducing his screen time and encouraging friends to do the same, saying he wanted to spend more time outdoors. Yet, the damage had already begun to take its toll.
The Case for Change
At Leo’s inquest, medical professionals described him as experiencing “anhedonia,” a term that refers to a loss of pleasure in activities typically found enjoyable, often linked to depression. Jane believes he may have suffered from “digital anhedonia,” a concept suggesting that the rapid, algorithm-driven stimulation of social media can warp the brain’s reward systems, leading to a diminished capacity to enjoy real-life experiences.
Professor Shaheen E. Lakhan, a clinical neuroscience professor, has highlighted how the teenage brain is particularly susceptible to these changes. During adolescence, the brain’s motivation and novelty-seeking circuits are highly active, while areas responsible for impulse control are still developing. “If you train the brain on instant algorithmic reward, you can unintentionally teach it that real life isn’t worth the effort,” he explains.
Following her son’s death, Jane Johnson has become a staunch advocate for a social media ban for those under 16. She warns, “We are sleepwalking into a huge potential future disaster. Somebody has to make a bold move.” Her call for action aligns with growing political pressure in the UK for tighter restrictions on social media usage among children, following an amendment supported by the House of Lords.
A Growing Concern
As Jane’s story gains traction, the government is gearing up to explore options for stricter regulations around social media use for minors. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has indicated that “nothing is off the table” regarding children’s safety online. A national consultation is set to examine potential measures, including a ban on social media for individuals under 16, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Australia.
This discussion comes at a critical time, as several major social media platforms are facing legal scrutiny in Los Angeles, accused of knowingly fostering addiction and harm among young users.
Why it Matters
Jane Johnson’s heartfelt call for action reflects a broader societal concern regarding the mental health implications of social media on youth. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when digital spaces become detrimental to mental well-being. As the conversation around online safety evolves, it is imperative that we listen to the voices of those affected and take meaningful steps to protect our young people from the hidden dangers lurking behind their screens.
