Alarm Bells Ringing: Soaring Internet Addiction Among Teenagers Pushes Mental Health Crisis to "Unprecedented" Heights
Unprecedented surge in internet addiction among adolescents
While technology connects, overindulgence can lead to a mental health storm, particularly for young people. A child protection organization sounds the alarm.
A recent report by the child welfare organization KidsRights found that the unrestricted growth of social media platforms precipitates a global surge in psychological problems among youth. Currently, one in seven children aged 10 to 19 is grappling with mental health issues, according to the organization's collaborative efforts with Erasmus University in Rotterdam. "This year's report is a stark reminder that we can no longer turn a blind eye," said KidsRights chairman Marc Dullaert.
The mental health predicament "among our youth has reached a breaking point, intensified by the relentless expansion of social media platforms that place user numbers over the safety of young people." Unhealthy habits related to online networks such as Instagram and TikTok are on the rise, the report declares.
Insight: Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent among the youth, and researchers link such problems to excessive social media and internet use [Source: Overall enrichment data].
On the Brink of a Crisis
Europe is the world region most at threat for 13-year-olds to fall prey to unhealthy online network use, with 13% of this age group at risk, according to the report. When it comes to 15-year-olds, Europe also experiences an "unprecedented" increase in internet addiction, with 39% grappling with it.
Call for Action, Not Restriction
KidsRights opposes enforcing strict internet bans for minors as such limitations infringe upon the civil and political rights of children. Instead, it advocates for comprehensive global research into the impact of social media on young people, enhanced education, and training for psychologists.
Insight: The digital realm needs careful regulation and education to protect children from its negative effects and promote their well-being [Source: Politics enrichment data].
Plea for Action from Policymakers
"We must rally to boost the well-being of the world's 2.2 billion children, not endanger it," KidsRights chief Dullaertcalled out. "The era of half-measures is over."
Last week, EU digital ministers discussed a petition to prohibit online networks like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for those under 16, backed by several European countries. They urged the EU Commission to implement enforceable EU-wide laws governing this issue.
In principle, age restrictions are already imposed on online networks. According to their usage agreements, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X are accessible in the EU from the age of 13, while YouTube and Tumblr are restricted to those aged 16. However, users can enter fake birthdates during registration, and there is no age verification process.
Source: ntv.de, uzh/AFP
- Children
- Teenagers
- Internet Use
- Smartphones
- Social Media
- Addiction
- The alarming surge in internet addiction among teenagers, particularly in Europe, is fueling a mental health crisis that demands urgent attention from policymakers.
- Given the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among children and teenagers, there is a pressing need for comprehensive global research into the impact of social media and its effects on young people.
- To protect the well-being of children and teens, it is crucial to ensure that policies addressing internet use and social media are enforced effectively, prioritizing the safety and mental health of the youth.
