WHO Warns of Rising Social Media Addiction Among Young Europeans
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the increasing prevalence of problematic social media use among young Europeans, emphasizing the urgent need for action. According to WHO Europe Director Hans Kluge, the excessive use of social media is linked to serious mental health issues including depression, anxiety, bullying, and poor academic performance.
In 2022, a troubling 11% of adolescents reported symptoms akin to addiction, a significant rise from just 7% four years prior. This data, collected from 280,000 adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada, indicates that girls are more affected (13%) compared to boys (9%). The symptoms include an inability to control excessive use, withdrawal symptoms, and neglecting other activities in favor of social media engagement.
Particularly concerning is the situation in Romania, where 28% of teenagers aged 13 to 15 exhibit these problematic behaviors, while only 3% of Dutch teenagers are similarly affected. Furthermore, the WHO reported that one-third of adolescents play online every day, with 22% engaging for at least four hours. Among these, 12% show problematic gaming behaviors, with boys (16%) more affected than girls (7%).
Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, WHO’s Europe director, stressed the importance of empowering young people to navigate the digital landscape safely. She stated, “It is essential to take steps to protect young people so that they can navigate the digital landscape safely and are able to make informed choices about their online activities.”
The Benefits of Responsible Social Media Use
Despite the alarming statistics, the WHO acknowledges the positive aspects of social media, particularly its role in fostering connections among individuals with shared interests. Notably, 36% of adolescents and 44% of girls aged 15 reported being in constant digital contact with their friends.
The WHO urges that young people should control their social media use rather than allowing it to control them. To this end, the organization recommends that national authorities enhance digital environments and implement educational measures to equip young individuals with the skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the WHO's recommendations highlight the critical balance between leveraging the benefits of social media and mitigating its risks to ensure the mental and social well-being of adolescents.
