Tomorrow, Monday, December 30, the government’s plan for the protection of minors on social media is expected to be announced. A key pillar is the strengthening of parental control.

On the occasion of the announcements, APE-MBE talked about the use of the internet and social media among teenagers with the Theodora Psaltopouloupathologist, professor of Therapeutic-Epidemiology-Preventive Medicine EKPA. The statistics presented by Ms. Psaltopoulou is worrying. He emphasizes that the excessive use of social media can eventually become an addiction and emphasizes the taking of measures by both the State and the family.

According to her American Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), in the US, more than 90% of teenagers have used social networks, with 75% of them having at least one active account and more than half visiting it daily. Also, teenagers can be online up to 9 hours a day, using it many times to prepare their lessons.

More specifically, more than 50% of teenagers in developed countries express a strong commitment to watching videos on the Internet, which significantly exceeds other activities. Also, a good percentage of teenagers find it difficult to leave social networks or feel anxious when they disconnect.

Problematic use of social networks by teenagers is on the rise

At the same time, the latest data from the Office in Europe World Health Organization (WHO) shows an increase in the problematic use of social networks by adolescents, from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. This fact, alongside the 12% of adolescents at risk of addiction to online games (problematic gaming), indicates the magnitude of the risk technology poses to the mental health and well-being of adolescents. Key statistics from the WHO Europe Office show that:

  • One in 10 teenagers tried to control the use of online social networks they participated in, with girls showing higher rates compared to boys (13% to 9%).
  • One in 3 young people reported constant online contact with friends and correspondingly one in 3 teenagers reported daily participation in online games.
  • One in 10 teenagers tried to control their online gaming time, with boys showing higher rates than girls (16% to 7%).

As stated by the same scientific association (AACAP), it is important that parents help teenagers use these networks responsibly. And while the positives of the internet for a teenager include interacting with friends and making new friends, education and satisfying interests in every field, on the other hand there are potential dangers. These include:

  • exposure to dangerous or inappropriate content (for example violence, drugs);
  • cyberbullying that increases the likelihood of depression and suicidal ideation,
  • exposure to multiple advertisements and hyper-consumption patterns;
  • individual overexposure,
  • the interference with the duration of educational and family activities, the preparation of school work at home, sleep and physical activity.

“The appeal of receiving constant updates and virtual validation shapes opinions, but it can also consume time, attention, and even mental health, especially for minors. Excessive use of social media can eventually become an addiction,” notes Ms. Psaltopoulou.

The recommendations for the correct use of the Internet

Her recommendations AACAPdepending on the age and maturity of the adolescent include:

  • Set goals: Set an achievable goal to reduce your social media use. Implementing small changes, such as designated times or periods without social networks during the day (such as not using the Internet during meals or in the room or until homework is finished).
  • Use tools: Leverage technology that can help manage use, such as apps that monitor screen time or block access to social media, depending on the teen’s age.
  • Limit notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications, such as notification of location or other personal data. It is also important to raise awareness and inform teenagers so that they do not share full names, addresses and phone numbers, passwords or card numbers.
  • Agreement with parents to follow teenagers on their social networks.
  • Professional help: If social media addiction is seriously affecting a teen’s life, working with qualified health professionals is important.

Also, according to the WHO Office in Europe, the following are important:

  • Organization of the school regarding the digital education of students
  • Promoting open dialogue between all stakeholders.
  • Information and awareness of trainers and health professionals on this issue.
  • Holding social media platforms accountable for protecting teenagers.
  • Strengthening mental health services by ensuring confidentiality,

Other strategies according to Ms. Psaltopoulou could be:

-Self-awareness: Recognizing the extent of addiction and its impact. Keeping a diary of your social media use can help understand patterns and causes.

-Alternative solutions: Engaging in non-screen activities such as reading, sports, music, or being in nature.

-Digital detox: Regular breaks from social media, ranging from a day to a week or more, to reduce addiction and improve mental well-being.