Warning about social media abuse among young people in Europe

Extreme social media use is defined as a user exhibiting “addiction-like” symptoms. These “addiction” symptoms include an inability to control time spent on the site, neglecting real-world interactions, feeling distressed when disconnected from the internet, or becoming preoccupied with online life.

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According to AFP, citing a WHO study, by 2022, 11% of adolescents will show signs of extreme social media use, up from 7% in 2018. The highest rates of negative social media use were in Romania (22%), Malta (18%) and Bulgaria (17%). The Netherlands had the lowest rate at 5%. The study cited data from 280,000 people aged 11, 13 and 15 in 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia and Canada.

Research shows that up to 36% of teens chat with friends online throughout the day in virtual worlds. 13-year-olds, especially girls, are at the highest risk of extreme social media use. Research also found that people who are addicted to social media are more likely to also use tobacco, alcohol or marijuana.

The findings raise concerns about how technology is shaping young people's lives, researchers say.

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Euronews quoted WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge as saying that social media addiction can lead to depression, bullying, anxiety and poor academic performance among young people. However, Mr. Kluge pointed out that digital literacy in many countries is still not fully widespread and has not kept up with the level of young people as well as the rapid development of information technology. Therefore, Mr. Kluge called on countries to take immediate and sustainable action to help young people change their social media usage.

“It is vital that we take steps to protect young people, help them navigate the digital environment safely and equip them with the ability to make informed choices about their online activities,” said Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, WHO Country Director for Health Systems and Policy for Europe. “Young people should own social media, not let it own their lives,” Azzopardi-Muscat said.

WHO Europe also called on national governments to invest in bringing digital literacy into schools, strengthen mental health services and training for teachers and health care providers, and enforce accountability for social media providers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/canh-bao-nan-lam-dung-mang-xa-hoi-o-gioi-tre-chau-au-185240925204904584.htm