THE growing disconnect between teenagers and the real world is exacerbating mental health issues and a contributing factor in the spike in youth crime, a prominent Gold Coast general practitioner says.
Dr Sonu Haikerwal, former president of the Gold Coast Medical Association and co-owner of Haan Health, said the quick-fix mentality that came with unfettered access to the internet and social media was damaging young people.
Dr Sonu Haikerwal. Picture: John Gass
"Whatever they have they can always find someone who has something better, so there's a lack of contentment, there's a need to always do more and have more," she said.