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Jersey needs to take swift action to curb a potential "mental health epidemic" fuelled by social media and smartphones among young people, a campaigner has said – after new stats revealed a surge in serious cases of self-harming.
The comments made by Matt Falla come after newly released data revealed the number of cases of under-20s attending the Emergency Department due to self-harm more than doubled from 43 cases in 2019 to 95 in 2021.
While there was a slight dip in the following two years, the figures have still remained above pre-pandemic levels and 2024 is on track for a potential new peak — with over 26 cases reported in just seven months.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, Express sat down with Mr Falla – who founded the peer support group Man Club after his own struggles with mental illness – to discuss the pressing challenges facing young people today.
"We have a mental health epidemic, which I strongly believe is part and parcel of the fact that we're living in hyper novel times, where the world is developing quicker than our brains can possibly keep up with," Mr Falla explained.
Pictured: Attendances at Jersey General Hospital’s Emergency Department due to self-harm, by age group, from 2015 to July 2024.
"That situation is creating serious neurological issues, and those are manifesting in the visual signs of struggle, which is harm, eating disorders, and eventually, if people are that desperate, suicide."
He argued that social media, in particular, is exacerbating the problem by providing a "fake version of connection" that fails to meet our fundamental social needs.
"Social media is designed to be addictive. It's not real social connection, yet we're seeing young people use it as a substitute," he said.
"The endless scrolling, the pressure of constantly comparing yourself to others, and the lack of face-to-face communication all contribute to deteriorating mental health."
Pictured: Matt Falla explained that social media is rewiring young minds for constant dopamine hits through likes, and shares – rather than through experiences and friendship.
Mr Falla pointed to the spike in self-harm cases during the pandemic year of 2021 as evidence of the harmful effects of over reliance on digital technology and social media.
"The inability to meet friends in person during lockdowns pushed many to spend more time on social media," he said.
To address this crisis, Mr Falla suggested that age restrictions should be implemented on social media and certain devices.
He questioned why age restrictions similar to those for alcohol, voting, and driving aren't in place for devices and platforms that can "rewire people's brains" and lead to neurological issues.
Pictured: Matt Falla founded peer support group Man Club after his own struggles with mental illness.
"There's a very good reason in society where we have put age limits on things such as alcohol, voting, driving, even going to the cinema," Mr Falla said.
He also encouraged parents to educate themselves about the impacts of early exposure to digital technology.
"This is an epidemic," Mr Falla said. "We need systematic changes, especially in how we allow young people to engage with technology.
"Jersey, with its resources, is well-placed to lead in this area."
"We are outside of the reach of big tech lobbying and big pharma lobbying, so we can make changes right here that we know are the right thing to do," he continued.
"We acted decisively during covid-19, and now we face another crisis that needs equally swift and effective action."
Data releases following a request made under the Freedom of Information Law revealed that the number of attendances at the Emergency Department due to self-harm rose from 160 in 2015 to 220 last year. There were 137 attendances from January to July in 2014.
The figures detail the total number of attendances rather than individuals.
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Anyone affected by any of the issues raised in this article or our World Suicide Prevention Day coverage can seek help from the following services:
Focus on Mental Illness: telephone 07797 710900 or email info@focusmi.org
The Listening Lounge (by appointment only): call 01534 866793
MIND Jersey: call 07829 933929, or access the drop-in service on Seale Street (Monday-Friday from 09:00-16:00)
The Samaritans: call 01534 116123
Adult Mental Health Crisis Line (open 24/7 for emergencies): call 01534 445290
Liberate: seek help via its online application form
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