2024-09-25 11:19:26
To what extent can social networks lead to addiction among young people? The topic is back on the table as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned this Wednesday of an increase in “problematic” use of platforms among European youth.
“We need immediate and sustained action to help young people stop using social media that can be harmful, which has been shown to lead to depression, bullying, anxiety and poor educational outcomes,” said WHO Europe Director. Hans Kluge said.
Symptoms are similar to those of addiction
In 2022, 11% of young people (13% of girls and 9% of boys) show signs of the problem of social networks, compared to only 7% four years ago. These figures come from data collected from 280,000 youth aged 11, 13, and 15 from 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia and Canada.
In other words, they show symptoms similar to those of addiction: inability to control excessive use, feelings of withdrawal and abandonment of other activities in favor of social media, and negative consequences of excessive use in life. daily life This phenomenon is most popular among Romanian youth aged 13 and 15, affecting 28% of them and least among Dutch youth (3%).
Another source of concern, a third of young people play online games every day and 22% of them for at least four hours, notes the WHO which explains that in all groups, 12% of young people have problematic behavior about gaming (16% of boys and 7% of girls).
“It is important that we take steps to protect young people so they can navigate the digital landscape safely and be able to make informed choices about their online activities, maximizing opportunities while reduce the risks to their mental and social health,” said WHO/Europe official Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat.
44% of teenage girls, have regular relationships with their friends
The UN, however, highlights the benefits of responsible use of social media, especially the connection between those who share the same interests and passions. 36% of teenagers, and 44% of 15-year-old girls, report that they are in regular digital contact with their friends.
Young people “must dominate the Internet, and not let the Internet dominate them,” said the WHO official. Therefore, the organization recommends that national authorities improve digital environments and educational measures to enable young people to safely understand the digital world.
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