A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the growing issue of problematic social media and gaming use among European adolescents. The study found that 11% of young people met criteria for problematic social media use, with some of the highest rates seen in countries like Romania, Malta, and Bulgaria.
In addition, 12% of adolescents were classified as at risk of problematic gaming, with boys being at higher risk than girls. Researchers expressed concerns about how technology is impacting the lives of young people, leading to potential negative consequences on mental health and academic performance.
Although not all young people use social media in problematic ways, the report suggested that more targeted interventions and regulations are needed to protect the wellbeing of adolescents. This includes educating children about digital literacy and enforcing age restrictions on social media and gaming platforms.
The study also emphasized the need for further research to better understand the impacts of social media and gaming on young people’s mental health and overall well-being. While technology can have both positive and negative effects, it is crucial to find a balance that promotes healthy usage among adolescents.
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