New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has shed light on a worrisome trend: a sharp increase in problematic social media use among adolescents. According to findings from the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, the proportion of adolescents struggling with social media addiction has risen from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. Coupled with the fact that 12% of adolescents are at risk of problematic gaming, the results underscore the need for immediate intervention to protect youth mental health and well-being.

WHO study highlights growing digital addiction and its impact on youth mental health, calling for urgent action

The HBSC study, which surveyed nearly 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries and regions in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada, reveals the extensive reach of digital technology and its growing impact on young lives. The findings show that more than one in ten adolescents are exhibiting signs of problematic social media behaviour, struggling to control their usage and facing negative consequences as a result. The issue appears to disproportionately affect girls, who reported higher levels of problematic social media use (13%) compared to boys (9%). Similarly, over a third of young people reported being in constant contact with friends online, with the highest rates observed among 15-year-old girls, indicating the social pressures associated with staying connected in the digital world.

Another critical finding from the report indicates that one-third of adolescents play digital games daily, with more than one in five spending at least four hours gaming on days they engage. Boys are more likely than girls to exhibit problematic gaming habits, with 16% of boys showing signs of addiction compared to 7% of girls. This gender disparity in gaming patterns highlights the need for targeted interventions that consider gender-specific motivations and risk factors in gaming behaviour.

The WHO report defines problematic social media use as a behaviour characterized by addiction-like symptoms, such as an inability to control social media usage, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using it, and neglecting other activities in favour of staying online. This pattern of behaviour, if left unaddressed, can have significant implications on adolescents' mental and social well-being. Research indicates that adolescents who exhibit such behaviour often report lower mental and social well-being and higher levels of substance use compared to their peers. Additionally, problematic social media use has been linked to reduced sleep quality, delayed bedtimes, and disrupted academic performance, which can further exacerbate the challenges faced by young people.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the importance of digital literacy education to combat these issues, noting that while social media can have both positive and negative impacts, the current measures to educate young people remain inadequate. He highlighted the need for governments, health authorities, teachers, and parents to recognize the root causes of the current situation and take action. Some countries have already begun considering restrictions or outright bans on social media for children up to a certain age, acknowledging the potential risks of excessive use, which can lead to depression, bullying, anxiety, and poor academic performance.

Despite the risks associated with excessive social media use, the report also sheds light on its potential benefits. Responsible social media use can promote peer support and strengthen social connections, which are essential for adolescent development. A 17-year-old boy from Poland shared his perspective, noting that social media, when used in moderation, can offer connection and opportunities for teenagers to meet others who share their passions and interests. Dr. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director for Country Health Policies and Systems at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, emphasized that it is crucial to protect youth and help them navigate the digital landscape safely, equipping them with the tools to make informed choices about their online activities.

The report’s insights into gaming behaviour show that while a significant proportion of adolescents engage in gaming daily, 68% of them are classified as non-problematic gamers. However, for the 12% at risk of problematic gaming, the consequences can be severe. A previous HBSC study found that problematic gaming behaviour was associated with lower life satisfaction, more frequent psychological complaints, and lower peer support. Dr. Claudia Marino, one of the report authors at the University of Padova, highlighted the striking gender differences in gaming patterns and emphasized the need for targeted interventions that address these disparities.

Interventions to address problematic social media use and gaming habits need to be age-appropriate, gender-sensitive, and culturally tailored. Effective strategies should focus on helping young people develop digital literacy skills, promote healthy online behaviours, and provide support for those at risk. Adolescents themselves recognize the need for improved digital environments and education. One boy from England suggested that making social media safer and teaching people how to use it responsibly are critical steps in addressing these issues.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for action to safeguard adolescent digital well-being. This includes investing in a health-promoting school environment where digital literacy education is embedded in the curriculum, implementing evidence-based programs on responsible social media use, online safety, critical thinking skills, and healthy gaming habits. The report also emphasizes the importance of enhancing access to mental health services, promoting open dialogue within families and communities, training educators and healthcare providers, and enforcing platform accountability by ensuring that social media platforms adhere to age restrictions and create a regulatory framework that encourages responsible design for young users.

Dr. Kluge concluded by stating that the ultimate goal is to provide adolescents with a solid foundation for life in the digital age. He stressed that digital literacy in the context of child development and well-being, supported by appropriate health and educational services, is crucial for empowering young people to make informed decisions about their online activities. By striking a balance between online and offline worlds, society can help safeguard and improve the overall well-being of young people, ensuring a healthier and more balanced digital future for all communities, societies, and countries.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative that decisive steps are taken to ensure a safer, healthier future for the next generation of digital citizens.