Will the EU succeed in breaking the grip of teen smartphone addiction?

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Politico
16 Aug 2023 10:03
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A new report by Politico delves into the intricate landscape of managing teenagers' internet usage and the consequential impact on their mental well-being.

Three teens walk with their smartphones as they walk outside the Natural History Museum in Washington. (AFP)

Parents worldwide are contending with the issue of managing their children's excessive internet consumption, marked by vacant expressions, curt replies, and a continuous stream of smartphone sounds, a new report by Politico argued.

This concern has prompted countries like China, the US state of Utah, and France to take measures in order to counteract the adverse effects of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

China's objective is to restrict screen time to 40 minutes for children under the age of eight, while Utah has introduced a digital curfew and mandated parental consent for social media use, as per the report.

Meanwhile, France has mandated device manufacturers to integrate parental control systems. Concurrently, the European Union (EU) is rolling out the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates significant platforms to open their systems to EU oversight to ensure that they do not harm children. Failing to comply could result in fines of up to 6% of annual global revenue.

Navigating the impact of social media on teenage mental well-being

The connection between social media and the mental well-being of teenagers is still a topic of debate. These platforms generate revenue by keeping users engaged for prolonged periods, similar to the allure of slot machines.

Worries about their influence on young individuals encompass anxiety, depression, body image insecurities, and difficulties with concentration. Although data indicates an uptick in adolescent distress, factors like reduced stigma surrounding mental health complicate the situation.

Shirley Cramer, CEO of RSPH, said, "As the evidence grows that there may be potential harms from heavy use of social media... it is important that we have checks and balances in place to make #socialmedia less of a wild west when it comes to young people's mental health." pic.twitter.com/JLyHn6KTMT
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 6, 2023

Researchers, including Luca Braghieri from Bocconi University, have identified links between the introduction of Facebook and declines in the mental health of college students.

On that note, Psychiatrist Elia Abi-Jaoude has observed an increase in teenage struggles, particularly sleep deprivation, associated with smartphone and social media use.

Enforcement challenges: Upholding regulations in the Tech Industry

Scholars are advocating for nuanced strategies and enhanced data collection. The EU's regulations offer researchers access to previously inaccessible data.

Amy Orben from the University of Cambridge emphasized as quoted by Politico, the need to concentrate on vulnerable groups and specific features of platforms. Nonetheless, Europe remains cautious, adopting a preventative stance to safeguard minors.

Social media platforms have introduced measures such as parental controls and reminders for breaks, yet the DSA enforces more stringent regulations. Large platforms must submit annual evaluations of their impact and propose remedies under the oversight of the Commission.

This could entail restricting the presentation of harmful content recommendations and manipulative designs, along with curtailing personalized ads aimed at children, the report added. However, challenges persist in the enforcement of these rules and the willingness of tech companies to adapt.

Ultimately, while the EU's regulations signify progress, there is no guaranteed solution to the intricate issue of how social media affects mental health, the report concluded.