Concerns about mental health drive calls to ban social media for teenagers
Public support in the Netherlands for imposing a ban on social media use for teenagers under the age of 16 is increasing, amid growing concerns about mental health and overall well-being, according to a recent national survey.
The survey showed that 63% of participants support the imposition of the ban, an increase of 6% compared to last year. The largest increase in support was recorded among the age group of 16 to 28 years, where the percentage jumped from 44% to 60%, reflecting a significant change in the attitudes of young people.
Newcom Research reported that 2.6 million out of 14.6 million active social media users in the Netherlands feel a decline in their happiness due to usage, compared to 2.4 million last year. The study included platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok, while more than seven million people see continuous scrolling, liking, and sharing as a threat to mental health.
Neil van der Veer, the director of Newcom, stated that the negative side effects of using social media are worsening, explaining that prolonged use significantly affects mental health and increases feelings of loneliness. He emphasized that the problem is not due to a single platform, but rather the long time users spend on these platforms.
Contrary to popular belief, the survey showed that young people do not oppose rules and regulations. Van der Veer explained that this generation has direct experience with social media, making them more aware of the risks. The main reasons for supporting the ban include children's inability to cope with negative effects, the constant pressure to stay connected, and exposure to inappropriate content.
In contrast, opponents of the ban argue that social media helps children develop their social skills. Flor van Bakum from the Jellinek addiction treatment clinic stated that true addiction to social media is rare in the Netherlands, although many struggle to limit their usage. She supported preventive measures such as banning mobile phones in classrooms.
On the international front, Australia has already imposed a ban on the use of social media for those under 16, with fines of up to 28 million euros for violating platforms. The UK and several EU countries and the European Commission are also considering similar measures. In the United States, the Snapchat app reached a legal settlement in a case related to addiction, while other lawsuits are still pending against Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected to appear in court soon.