Screen addiction among teenagers: A WHO report raises concerns
A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the growing risks associated with social media and digital gaming among adolescents. According to a survey of nearly 280,000 young people in 44 countries, 11% of adolescents exhibit problematic social media use, with a higher prevalence among girls. Another alarming finding: 12% of young people are at risk of video game addiction.
The consequences of this excessive use include sleep disorders, fragile mental well-being, and decreased academic performance. The WHO calls for targeted interventions to protect young people's mental health and for improved digital education to help them navigate the digital world responsibly.
Here are some key figures from the report:
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11% of teenagers show signs of problematic behavior with regard to social media.
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13% of girls, compared to 9% of boys, are more likely to have problematic use of social media.
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36% of teenagers are in constant contact with their friends online, with peaks among 15-year-old girls (44%).
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34% of teenagers play digital games daily.
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22% of teenagers play for more than 4 hours on the days they play.
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12% of teenagers are at risk of video game addiction, with 16% of boys versus 7% of girls.
The WHO advocates collective action, involving schools, parents and health authorities, to promote healthier and safer online habits.
To learn more, see the full article on the WHO website here .
Sources:
https://www.who.int/europe/fr/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health