Mental Health Coordinator raises alarm over social media’s impact on youth
James Abagna raises concern over gambling addiction and exposure to harmful online content, urging early intervention and mental health support for young people.
The Kassena-Nankana Municipal Mental Health Coordinator, James Abagna, has expressed concern over the growing negative influence of social media on the mental well-being of young people in the society.
According to Abagna, many social media platforms are saturated with advertisements and content that expose young people to gambling, hard drugs, alcohol abuse, and other harmful behaviours.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 14, as part of activities marking Mental Health Promotion Week, Abagna noted that the increasing rate of gambling addiction among the youth is a worrying development that requires urgent attention.
He explained that some young people have become so addicted to betting that they are willing to sell their personal belongings just to continue gambling.
“Let’s say I’m a gambler; the little money I have, I use it for betting. I have a phone, I sell it for betting. Even the room I sleep in, I sell it for betting. It’s a mental health problem,” he stated.
Abagna therefore urged young people to take their mental health seriously by avoiding social vices that could negatively affect their lives and future.
He also encouraged the general public, particularly the youth, to seek professional help whenever they experience persistent stress, anxiety, depression, or other conditions that may threaten their mental health.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
