On 25 September, the’World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the study Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) published a report on‘problematic use of social media and video games among teenagers.
The survey, conducted in 44 countries across Europe, Central Asia and Canada, focused on young people aged 11–15. The results reveal increasingly addictive behaviours, particularly among girls for social media and among boys for video games.
Problematic use of social media on the rise among young people
Problematic social media use has increased since the previous survey in 2018, rising from d7 out of 10 to 11 out of 10 of the adolescents surveyed. This phenomenon is particularly marked in girls, with a peak at’age of 13.
Problematic social media use is measured using the scale of social media-related disorders (Social media disorder scale). Adolescents who exhibit six or more symptoms on this scale, such as loss of control, the compulsive need to check social media or even‘irritability when restricted.
Video games, another source of addiction
With regard to problematic video game use, it is the boys who are mainly affected. 34 % of teenagers play daily to video games and 22 % play for at least four hours a day.
As with social media, teenagers who exhibit five or more symptoms are considered to be at risk. risk of video game addiction. Among the symptoms reported are’obsession with gambling, the inability to reduce the time spent playing and the cNegative consequences on school and social life.
A need for regulation for young people
In terms of public policy, the report calls for a increased regulation access to digital technologies for young people, particularly with regard to age limits for registration on social networks and video games.
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