Technological transformations have granted us easier access to the digital world. From photo-sharing apps to video gaming, multiple platforms have emerged and changed how we interact. So, how does this development impact children and youth’s behavior? A study by WHO examines social media use among adolescents in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada to understand the trends, dynamics, and aspects necessary for policy improvements. 

Children in the Digital Age

Social media’s presence has evolved significantly into something most people cannot live without. As digital natives, today’s children and adolescents are incredibly familiar with technologies and digital tools because they begin engaging them early in their lives. Then, how exactly do these digital platforms affect children and adolescents’ wellbeing?

To answer the pressing question, the study titled “A focus on adolescent social media use and gaming in Europe, central Asia and Canada” was developed by the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (‎HBSC)‎ in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe. It examined social media use (SMU) and gaming among adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries and regions in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada.

Trends of Problematic Social Media Use and Gaming

While social media use and digital gaming can benefit adolescents by allowing them to interact and maintain friendships with their peers, evidence shows that there is a growing number of adolescents who develop addiction-like symptoms in their usage. These problematic behaviors can eventually disrupt adolescents’ lives, including school, physical activity, and interaction with people around them.

The report found that 11% of the adolescents were classified as problematic social media users, while 12% were classified as being at risk of problematic gaming. Both categories show higher numbers than the previous study in 2018, with 7% and 10% for each category, respectively.

Furthermore, age and gender also influence adolescents’ engagement with social media and digital gaming. Problematic SMU was commonly found among 13-year-olds, while problematic gaming was found among 11-year-olds. Social media is used mainly by girls, while digital gaming is more popular among boys.

Enabling Healthy and Balanced Engagement

Digital platforms can be good for learning, activism, and advocacy on important issues. However, they are also the breeding grounds for misinformation, violence, and hate speech. Safeguarding our children and adolescents’ experience navigating the digital sphere has never been more crucial.

In this light, understanding adolescents’ behavior on social media use and digital gaming can be the basis for formulating policies and programs that promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle for children and youth in this digital age. The report suggests that policymakers and school leaders should establish clear policies for using smartphones in the school environment. Furthermore, media and emotional literacy programs are also encouraged, along with parents’ and teachers’ provisions on the age limits for social media use and gaming. It is crucial that our youth are better informed and understand what to expect when entering the digital world.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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Kresentia Madina

Reporter at Green Network Asia | Website |  + postsBio

Madina is the Assistant Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Green Network Asia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Studies from Universitas Indonesia. As part of the GNA In-House Team, she supports the organization's multi-stakeholder engagement across international organizations, governments, businesses, civil society, and grassroots communities through digital publications, events, capacity building, and research.

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