The use of a range of apps and devices to track and manage our health is widespread, but new research from the University of Bath highlights that an unexpectedly young audience is part of the quantified self movement, and they may be participating without the adequate digital literacy to do so safely.

The study reveals that over 70% of young people are using apps and other digital technologies to manage their health, with some as young as eight years of age.  The authors believe their findings highlight both the risks and opportunities for young people, and hope that the insights from their study will promote greater digital literacy work in schools with an emphasis on health.

The study consisted of survey data from over 1000 young people, and found that digital access begins at a very young age, with 75% of respondents saying they owned their first device between 8 and 11 years of age.  What’s more, 70% of these youngsters were using those devices for health purposes, such as fitness and dieting.

Digital literacy

This usage isn’t bad in and of itself, but it does raise concerns around things such as security, and both the ownership and collection of data.  Couple these concerns with the potential for conflicting health advice being provided to young people, and there is a risk that the devices can do as much harm as they do good.

As such, the researchers believe schools could do more to educate young people about digital health, if only to provide an official counter to the huge growth in blogs, websites and social platforms that compete for young people’s attention.  This can often lead to young people feeling overwhelmed, and during the study, many said they would like more support on how to safely and effectively use these platforms.

“Over recent years there has been a surge of new online apps, blogs and videos specifically targeting young people with messages all about personal improvement in their health and lifestyle,” the researchers say. “These technologies offer certain opportunities for young people, but they also carry risks both in terms of the direct advice and guidance given – and the implications this can have in relation to body image for instance – but also wider concerns about data storage and ownership by third parties.”

Understanding their health

The young people commonly found the digital devices were providing them with valuable support in terms of managing their health, but they consistently worried about pushing things too far.  Were they exercising too much or dieting excessively?

It’s a common concern that these devices may prompt a decline into eating disorders or excessive exercise regimes that can do significant harm to young people whose bodies are still evolving.

“Our findings suggest young people want to learn more about this topic, but need help in navigating a fast-paced, fast-changing online environment,” the researchers explain. “Digital health education should promote learning that will benefit young people in ways that help them feel better prepared to manage their online health identities, particularly in relation to social media. Educational policymakers need to take notice of this specific issue in order to update and expand current provision within the curriculum. This trend in online digital health technologies will only continue to increase and we need to ensure young people have the skills and know-how to best cope.”