29/09/2026
I attended the Nottingham Citizen Social Science Celebration Event, marking the end of a journey that included training, designing survey questions, facilitating a focus group, analysing findings and writing my research report.
My research explored:
“Supporting Young People's Mental Health and Safety in the Digital Age: Exploring the Impact of Social Media and Online Gaming, and Potential Solutions.”
One thing I took away is that supporting young people in the digital age is not simply about saying “spend less time online.”
We also need to understand what they may be getting from the online world: friendship, belonging, connection, creativity or a safe place to be themselves.
This has inspired my next step: exploring a safe, moderated online community where young people can make friends, build confidence and gradually move towards activities they are passionate about in the real world.
The online world doesn't have to be the destination. It can be the bridge.
Thank you to Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Audrey Dinnall, for presenting our certificates.
I’m also very grateful to Nottingham City Council, Coventry University and NCVS for creating this opportunity for us to take part in the Citizen Social Science project, learn new skills and contribute to research in our community.
And a very special thank you to my mentor, Dr Sinead Ouillon, for her guidance and support throughout this five-month journey.
I’m excited to see where this research takes me next. ❤️
