Media WHO: Online behavior of young people is becoming more problematic

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more young people in Europe are having problems putting their smartphones aside than ever before. More than one in ten adolescents now show signs of problematic social media behavior.

According to new data from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, girls are more likely to have problems (13%) than boys (9%). More than one in three (36%) reported being in constant contact with friends online.

Overall, social media use among teenagers classified as problematic has risen from 7% of young people in 2018 to 11% in 2022, according to WHO Europe based on a comprehensive survey.

According to the WHO, another finding is that 12% of young people are at risk of developing problematic gaming behavior, with boys significantly more likely to do so than girls. The Copenhagen-based organization sees these two findings as a cause for urgent concern regarding the impact of digital technology on the mental health and well-being of young people in Europe.

Positive and negative consequences of social networks

"It is clear that social media can have both positive and negative consequences for the health and well-being of young people," explained WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge. This is why teaching digital literacy is so important. Nevertheless, in many countries this is inadequate or does not keep pace with the speed of development.

Immediate and sustainable measures must be taken to help young people get to grips with potentially harmful social media use. Otherwise, it could lead to depression, bullying, anxiety and poor academic performance, warned Kluge. Used correctly, however, social networks can also lead to stronger social bonds.

The new WHO findings are part of a comprehensive health study for which almost 280,000 children and young people aged 11, 13 and 15 from 44 countries and regions in Europe, Central Asia and Canada were surveyed in 2022. Problematic social media use is defined as a pattern of behaviour characterized by addiction-like symptoms, such as being unable to control use, showing withdrawal symptoms or neglecting other activities.