WHO Reports Rise in Social Media Problems Among Adolescents

Between 2021 and 2022, the World Health Organization conducted a comprehensive study examining the social media habits of nearly 300,000 adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 from 44 countries, including regions in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada. The research identified problematic social media use, characterized by addiction-like symptoms, which has been linked to lower mental, social, and academic well-being among young users. The study found that 11% of adolescents reported such problematic use, a notable increase from 7% in 2018. The data revealed that the rise in problematic social media use was particularly pronounced among girls, with a 6 percentage point increase noted among 13-year-olds. This trend raises concerns about the mental health implications of excessive social media engagement, as many adolescents reported being in constant contact with friends and strangers online. Approximately 44% of 15-year-old girls indicated they were continuously communicating online, highlighting the pervasive nature of social media in their lives. In light of these findings, public health advocates in the United States have increasingly voiced concerns regarding the potential dangers of social media and online gaming for minors. Recent legislative measures have been proposed to protect young people from harmful content, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for regulatory action. The report emphasizes the urgent requirement for countries to strengthen access and regulation measures for young people, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with problematic social media use and promote healthier online habits among adolescents.