BANBURY MP Victoria Prentis has backed the ‘Scroll Free September’ campaign urging people to cut down on their social media use.

Mrs Prentis is also vice-chairwoman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on social media and young people’s Mental Health and Wellbeing.

As part of that role the MP has signed up to the month away from social media.

Oxford Mail:

The campaign, led by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), is asking users to stop or cut down their use of online sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for the month.

It follows research from the group which concluded that although social media had a range of positive and negative effects on mental health and wellbeing, it was primarily a negative one.

Mrs Prentis said: “I am really pleased that I am able to lend my support to Scroll Free September.

“I am an active user of social media, given my role as a Member of Parliament, so I am sure the first few days of the blackout will be a challenge.

“However, as the mother of teenage daughters I am only too aware of the negative impact social media can have on the mental health and wellbeing of children these days.

“Initiatives like Scroll Free September provide a welcome opportunity for users to reflect and to build a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media.

“I would encourage my constituents to get behind the campaign too.”

RSPH chief executive Shirley Cramer added: “Scroll Free September offers us all the opportunity to take back control of our relationship with social media, whether you choose to go cold turkey, or just abstain at social events or in the evening.”