A major global study has revealed a significant increase in what it defines as "problematic" social media usage among young people since the onset of the pandemic.
The research, conducted with nearly 280,000 children aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries, found that the percentage of adolescents engaging with social media in problematic ways grew from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study recorded above-average figures in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The authors of the study expressed urgent concerns about the potential impacts of digital technology on the mental health and well-being of Europe's youth, urging for increased efforts to encourage healthier online behaviors.
Dr. Jo Inchley, the international co-ordinator of the study from the University of Glasgow, highlighted that problematic use was most prevalent among 13-year-olds, with girls being more likely to experience this than boys. The research also shed light on how much time young people are spending online, with more than a third of adolescents reporting almost constant connection to friends and others throughout the day.
While the report does not suggest that all time spent online is harmful, it found that adolescents who were heavy, yet non-problematic, users of social media enjoyed stronger peer support and better social connections. However, for the minority displaying problematic usage, social media was linked to addiction-like symptoms such as:
- Prioritizing social media over other activities
- Frequent arguments about usage
- Concealing the amount of time spent online
- Difficulty in controlling usage and feelings of withdrawal
The study also raised concerns about the number of teenagers at risk of problematic gaming behavior, particularly among boys. In England, 15% of teenagers were considered at risk—the second highest among all countries studied. The research noted that 46% of boys played games daily, with the figure rising to 52% in England and 57% in Scotland. Notably, 13-year-old boys in England reported the highest rates of extended gaming sessions, with 45% stating they played for at least four hours on gaming days.
The report, published by the European branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes both the positive and negative effects of social media use on adolescents. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO's Regional Director for Europe, called for greater digital literacy education to guide young people in developing a balanced approach to online engagement. He urged governments, health professionals, educators, and parents to act swiftly to mitigate the harmful impacts of social media, which can lead to issues such as depression, anxiety, bullying, and declining academic performance.
Professor Ben Carter from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience described the findings as a valuable addition to the evidence on social media's impact. However, he acknowledged that defining "problematic social media use" remains a challenge, making data collection more difficult. Still, he noted the study provides important insights into the conversation around youth digital habits.
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