Dr. Yennusom Maalug Urges Vigilance Against Substance Abuse and Harmful Social Media Algorithms Affecting Youth Mental Health

In a concerted effort to safeguard the mental well-being of the youth, health experts and researchers are raising alarms over the dual threats of substance abuse and harmful digital content. Dr. Yennusom Maalug, the Acting Hospital Director of Pantang Hospital, has issued a stern warning to students against experimenting with alcohol and cannabis, emphasizing that mental health is a critical component of overall physical well-being. Simultaneously, global research from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) has revealed that social media platforms like YouTube continue to recommend dangerous content, including videos related to eating disorders, to teenage users despite increasing regulatory pressure.

Speaking at a mental health seminar at Aburi Girls' Senior High School, Dr. Maalug highlighted the devastating impact that substance abuse can have on a student’s academic performance, health, and interpersonal relationships. He advised students to resist peer pressure and avoid using drugs as a coping mechanism for stress. The event, organized by the AOGA 2001 Year Group and PIWA to mark their anniversaries, also saw the donation of essential medical supplies to the school’s infirmary. Dr. Maalug’s message was reinforced by other speakers who stressed the importance of developing healthy coping strategies and seeking professional support when facing mental health challenges.

While local initiatives focus on physical health and face-to-face peer dynamics, digital platforms present a different set of challenges for adolescent safety. Recent findings by the CCDH indicate that approximately 10% of videos suggested to a simulated 13-year-old’s account still feature harmful content related to eating disorders. While this represents a notable improvement from the 25% reported in 2024, it underscores the persistent risks posed by algorithmic recommendations. In response to these findings, Google stated that it has removed the flagged content and remains committed to viewer safety, yet critics argue that platforms must take more proactive responsibility for the material their systems amplify.

The intersection of these issues highlights the complex landscape of modern youth health. Legislative measures, such as the UK’s Online Safety Act, now mandate that platforms protect minors from harmful material or face significant fines, with further plans to restrict access for under-16s by 2027. Experts agree that protecting the next generation requires a multi-faceted approach: combining the grassroots guidance and medical support championed by figures like Dr. Maalug with robust international regulation of the digital spaces where teenagers spend much of their time.