Viral disaster videos harm kids' mental health

Kathmandu, Oct. 17: The widespread sharing of disturbing disaster-related photos and videos on social media is raising concerns about the mental health and emotional well-being of children and adolescents in Nepal. 

During floods and landslides, graphic images showing deaths, destroyed homes, and people being swept away by floodwaters are frequently posted and shared online. Repeated exposure to such content can increase fear, anxiety, stress, and feelings of insecurity among children. 

Social media algorithms may recommend similar videos repeatedly based on users' viewing history, exposing children to distressing content even after they have watched it once. The lack of effective monitoring of sensitive online material has further contributed to the widespread circulation of such videos. 

In one incident in Kathmandu, a child reportedly became frightened and cried after repeatedly watching flood-related videos on their mother's mobile phone. People of different age groups have also reported experiencing fear, trembling, and loss of appetite after viewing disturbing footage. 

Sohan Bhujel, a member of Voice of Children's Child Advisory Committee, visited areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flood on the third day after the disaster. He said that many children and adolescents staying at temporary holding centres were occupied with mobile phones, raising concerns about their exposure to distressing online content during an already stressful period.