A recent WHO report highlights the rising concern over youth screen time and mental health, based on a study of 280,000 children across 44 countries. It notes a significant increase in problematic usage, particularly among girls and boys with gaming habits. The report emphasizes the need for media literacy education and digital competence to help youths navigate online spaces safely, while urging parents, schools, and governments to implement protective measures against excessive screen time and its negative consequences.
Youth, Screens, and Mental Health: A Growing Concern
A recent report titled ‘Youth, Screens, and Mental Health’, released on September 25, sheds light on a study involving 280,000 school-aged children aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries. This extensive survey investigated their behaviors related to social media and gaming, revealing alarming trends, particularly concerning problematic usage patterns.
Understanding Problematic Usage Behavior
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines problematic usage as exhibiting addiction-like symptoms, which include an inability to regulate usage, withdrawal symptoms, neglecting other important activities, and facing negative repercussions in daily life due to excessive screen time.
According to the findings from the WHO, the percentage of affected youths has risen from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. Girls appear to be at a heightened risk, with 13% demonstrating signs of problematic usage behavior, compared to 9% of boys. Moreover, 12% of all youths reported problematic gaming habits, with boys being more significantly affected than girls.
While social media can have its downsides, it also offers some benefits.
The WHO report highlights the severe implications of addictive behaviors on young people’s mental health and overall well-being. Prior studies indicate that individuals who struggle with social media usage often experience lower levels of mental and social well-being, alongside an increased risk of substance abuse. Many youths report issues such as sleep deprivation and a marked decline in academic performance over time.
Conversely, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, notes that social media can foster positive connections. Many users experience enhanced support from peers and stronger social ties. This emphasizes the critical need for media literacy education to mitigate potential risks to mental health. Kluge points out that numerous countries still lack adequate educational resources, and existing initiatives frequently fail to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
The Risks of Excessive Gaming Behavior
Digital gaming, when overindulged, can also signal or lead to further issues. One-third of the surveyed youths engage in daily gaming, with 22% playing for at least four hours on gaming days.
Dr. Claudia Marino from the University of Padua finds the gaming habits of male youths particularly concerning, stating, ‘Boys not only play daily more often but also develop more problematic gaming habits. This highlights the need for targeted interventions that consider gender-specific motivations and risk factors in gaming behavior.’
In a previous HBSC study conducted across five countries, problematic gaming behavior was linked to lower life satisfaction and increased mental health complaints.
The Role of Adults and Institutions
In response to these findings, the WHO advocates for enhancing digital competence among youths within educational settings. ‘It is crucial that we take measures to protect youth, enabling them to navigate the digital landscape safely […] They should master social media and not be mastered by social media,’ asserts Dr. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of the Health Policy and Health Systems Division of the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Parents and schools play a vital role in equipping youths with digital skills and promoting healthy online habits.
The report also holds governments and social media platforms accountable, urging the implementation and enforcement of stricter age restrictions to better safeguard younger users. Additionally, schools must initiate programs that foster digital literacy and encourage youths to critically evaluate their online behaviors.