A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that a small but significant number of European youngsters are using social media and video games at problematic levels, raising concerns about their mental wellbeing. The report shows that the percentage of adolescents with problematic social media use increased from 7% to 11% between 2018 and 2022, with the highest rates seen in Romania, Malta, and Bulgaria. Additionally, 12% of young people were at risk of problematic gaming.
The report highlights that social media has both positive and negative impacts on young people’s health and wellbeing, with those who use it in a problematic way more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and poor academic performance. The study also found that gender differences exist in gaming patterns, with boys more at risk of problematic gaming than girls.
Researchers emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address problematic social media and gaming use among young people. They called for tighter regulations on access to these platforms and for companies to enforce age restrictions. Educating children about digital literacy was also recommended as a way to help them balance their online and offline lives.
The study’s authors stressed the importance of recognizing the root causes of the issue and taking steps to address it before the situation worsens. These findings highlight the need for action to safeguard the mental health of the eternally online generation and ensure that technology has a positive impact on their lives.
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