Urgent Report: Two-Thirds of Galway Teens Spend 3+ Hours on Social Media

UPDATE: A shocking new report reveals that two-thirds of pupils in County Galway are spending over three hours daily on social media, marking a 10% increase from last year. This alarming statistic comes from a presentation by the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force regarding the Planet Youth Project, delivered to local councillors earlier today.

The report surveyed more than 2,000 adolescents aged 15 and 16 in November 2024, highlighting a concerning trend among the youth in the area. Among the findings, it was revealed that a staggering one-third of these young people have reported instances of self-harm, while over 50% are not achieving sufficient sleep due to excessive screen time.

Councillor Andrew Reddington emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the prevalence of drug use among teenagers is now as common as “a bag of sweets.” He expressed urgent concerns about the overall well-being of young people in the region, linking their mental health issues to prolonged social media exposure.

This report raises significant questions about the impact of digital consumption on the mental health of youths. Officials are calling for immediate action to address these alarming trends, as the community grapples with the implications for future generations.

As authorities seek to implement strategies to mitigate these issues, residents and parents are urged to engage in conversations about safe social media practices and the importance of mental health support.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge about the initiatives being proposed to combat this growing concern among the youth of County Galway.