Khaberni - A new study published in Germany indicates that more than a quarter of children and adolescents use social media in a risky or even pathological manner.
Recent figures from the German health insurance company "DAK", obtained by the German News Agency (DPA) in Berlin, show that addictive behavior is on the rise.
According to data recorded last fall, the rate of risky social media use reached 21.5%, compared to 21.1% in September and October 2024.
As for watching videos online, the rate of risky use jumped to 21.1%, up from 12.4% in the previous year.
Consequently, Andreas Storm, president of "DAK", welcomed the ongoing debate within the ruling coalition parties about tightening protections for minors.
According to the study, 6.6% of social media users and 4% of video viewers are classified as pathological users, meaning they suffer from addiction.
The emergence of social media addiction affects other areas of life
According to "DAK", about 350,000 children and adolescents suffer from pathological use of social media, and digital media usage patterns are being examined as part of a series of studies that began in 2019 in collaboration between the health insurance company and the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf.
Pathological use occurs when media are used so intensively that those affected spend more time than they planned or are allowed, and negative effects appear in other areas of life.
For example, students arrive late to classes and their grades suffer. Loss of control may be accompanied by sleep disturbances and other symptoms.
Risky use is defined as intensive and extensive use, but it has not yet become a fixed habit or full-blown addiction.
According to the study, children and adolescents spend an average of 2.7 hours per day on social media on a regular day, increasing to 3.3 hours on weekends.
The data indicates that the average usage time has decreased slightly.
Calls for swift action
Nevertheless, Storm described this trend as "worrisome," noting an increase in the number of girls and boys at risk of sliding into addiction. He said: "We must act quickly now to protect our children and strengthen them".
He added that imposing age limits alone is not sufficient, and that it is also essential to enhance education on media literacy.
Reports have revealed that the Social Democratic Party, a partner in Germany's ruling coalition, is demanding a ban on social media use for children under 14 years old.
The upcoming conference for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Party is expected to discuss a proposal that calls for setting a legal age of no less than 16 years for using social networks like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, with mandatory age verification.
