How TV and Film Shape Mental Wellbeing Over Dinner in Malta
This article explores the impact of TV and film on young people's mental health and its relevance to Malta's wellness-oriented lifestyle. A survey by the British Board of Film Classification reveals that nearly half of young viewers experience negative emotional effects, such as sadness, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, with distressing content often leaving a lasting impact. For Malta's health-conscious community, this underscores the importance of mindful media consumption, akin to selecting nourishing foods to support wellbeing. Young people are increasingly aware of emotional self-care, with many choosing comforting films and TV shows to uplift their mood, reflecting the same solace found in familiar, wholesome meals. Clear media guidance, akin to nutritional labels, can empower viewers to make informed choices, aligning with Malta's emphasis on resilience and balanced living. By pairing mindful entertainment with nourishing food and restorative activities, Malta can continue fostering a lifestyle that nurtures both physical and mental health.
The Role of TV and Film in Shaping Mental Wellbeing: Insights for Malta’s Health-Conscious Community
In today’s fast-paced world, entertainment is just a click away. From binge-worthy TV series to the latest blockbuster films, the content we consume can have a profound impact on our mental health. A recent survey by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) reveals that nearly half of young people report feeling emotionally affected by what they watch. As Malta continues to embrace a culture of wellness, mindfulness, and healthy living, these findings serve as a timely reminder to consider how entertainment choices intersect with mental wellbeing, particularly among younger audiences.
The survey, conducted among 2,000 young people aged 12 to 21 in the UK, found that 45% of respondents experienced negative effects on their mental health after watching a film or TV series. Common responses included feelings of sadness (40%), anxiety (39%), and trouble sleeping (28%). Alarmingly, 46% stated that the emotional impact “stayed with them for a while,” highlighting the lingering effects of distressing or unsettling content.
For Malta’s health-focused community, this data underscores the importance of mindful consumption—not just in the foods we eat but also in the media we digest. Just as we carefully select fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients to fuel our bodies, we should also approach entertainment with a discerning eye, choosing content that supports rather than undermines our mental wellbeing.
The Power of Choice: Informed Decisions for a Balanced Life
The BBFC’s findings revealed that 80% of young people consider whether a film or TV series might negatively impact their mood before watching it, and 84% take into account whether the content might include disturbing themes. This highlights the growing awareness among younger generations about the importance of emotional self-care—a principle that resonates with Malta’s wellness-oriented lifestyle.
David Austin, chief executive of the BBFC, emphasized the need for clear and transparent age ratings to empower viewers to make informed choices. “It’s saddening that more than two in five young people have had their mental wellbeing negatively impacted by film and TV,” he said. “This clearly shows that young people want to make informed decisions about what they watch.”
For families in Malta, where the Mediterranean diet and a slower-paced lifestyle support physical health, these insights can be extended to mental health. Just as parents might guide their children toward wholesome meals and outdoor activities, they can also help them navigate entertainment options that align with their emotional resilience and wellbeing. In the same way that local restaurants offer menus tailored to dietary preferences, the media landscape should provide clear guidance to help individuals make thoughtful choices.
The Comfort of Familiarity: Food, Film, and Emotional Balance
Interestingly, the survey also found that 73% of respondents turn to a favorite film or TV series for comfort when feeling low, while 55% deliberately stop watching something they believe might negatively affect their mood. This mirrors the way many people in Malta find solace in familiar meals, whether it’s a hearty bowl of minestra or a refreshing plate of lampuki. Just as comforting foods can uplift the spirit, revisiting feel-good films or TV shows can provide a similar emotional anchor.
Local restaurants in Malta can take inspiration from this trend by creating atmospheres that evoke positivity and relaxation. Whether it’s through serene dining spaces, uplifting playlists, or health-conscious menus, establishments can cater to the growing desire for holistic wellbeing. Pairing a nourishing meal with a feel-good film night at home could become a popular tradition for families and friends seeking balance and connection.
The Role of Media Guidance in Supporting Mental Health
Experts across various fields agree on the importance of clear media guidance. Ella Bradshaw from the NSPCC stressed that “what children are exposed to on screens can have a real impact on their mental health and wellbeing.” Lynn Perry of Barnardo’s added that while film and TV can inspire and educate, some content may be distressing or triggering. Providing upfront information about themes such as self-harm or suicide allows viewers to prepare emotionally or avoid such content altogether.
For Malta’s health-conscious community, this guidance can be likened to nutritional labels on food products. Just as consumers check for sugar levels, allergens, or additives, they should also be equipped with the tools to assess whether a TV series or film aligns with their emotional health goals. Restaurants and food brands can support this movement by integrating wellness-focused messaging into their branding—reminding patrons that mental health and physical health are deeply interconnected.
Building Resilience Through Mindful Living
Lorna Fraser of Samaritans and Rehema Figueiredo of Mind both emphasized the susceptibility of young people to media influences. Their insights align with Malta’s growing emphasis on building resilience through mindful living. By encouraging young people to approach media consumption with care—just as they would a balanced diet—parents, educators, and community leaders can help foster a generation equipped to navigate emotional challenges.
As Malta continues to celebrate its rich culinary heritage and embrace wellness-focused initiatives, it’s worth considering how these principles extend beyond the plate. Just as a nourishing meal can fuel the body, the right entertainment choices can nurture the mind. By making informed decisions about what we watch—and pairing those moments with wholesome food and restorative activities—we can create a lifestyle that supports both physical and mental health.
In the end, the lesson is clear: what we consume matters, whether it’s on our plate or on our screens. Let’s strive to make choices that uplift and sustain us, both in the dining room and beyond.