Social media and smartphones linked to depression in PHL children, adolescents — expert

Social media and using smartphones often are one of the causes of depression in Pinoy children and adolescents, according to child psychiatry expert Dr. Cornelio Banaag, Jr., based in The Medical City.

"Iyon blue light na yan [sa smartphone], iniinhibit ang production ng melatonin kaya di sila inaantok. [Pag ginagamit mo ang phone], puyat ka lang, sleep deprived ka lang... that will lead to anxiety and depression," Banaag said, in the report of Bernadette Reyes on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

Banaag observed that the first thing that children and adolescents do in the morning is to check their phones.

"Para silang lumalangoy, nalulunod sa teknolohiya every morning. The first thing they do is check their cellphone. Bago matulog, its their cellphone," he said.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 10 to 20 % of children and adolescents experience mental disorders.

The WHO describes depression as a common mental disorder.

"At its worst, depression can lead to suicide," WHO said, in its fact sheet.

At present, there are some non-government organizations such as the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), that aim to help people cope with depression.

Jun Sy, the chairman of the NGF-Mindstrong Movement, noted that the country lacked experts who could help young children diagnosed with depression.

"There are only 75 registered child psychiatrists in this country. It's now estimated 1 million teenagers...have been diagnosed with having depression," he said.

The NGF currently has a 24/7 HOPELINE that people in emotional crisis or who need immediate assistance can reach: (02) 804-HOPE (4673); 0917 558 HOPE (4673); 2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers). — Angelica Y. Yang/BAP, GMA News