The mental health of children at a disturbing level, partly because of social networks, according to a report – Liberation

A matter of timing. While Emmanuel Macron announces the ban on social networks to children under the age of 15 In « a few months », a Kidsright children’s rights group report published this Wednesday, June 11, establishes that the Children’s mental health culminates at disturbing levels, in correlation with « Uncontrolled expansion » of these same social networks.

According to research carried out by the Amstellodam group and the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, more than 14 % of 10-19 year olds worldwide experience mental health problems, with an average overall suicide rate of 6 per 100,000 adolescents aged between 15 and 19. « This year’s report is an alarm signal that we can no longer ignore »Marc Dullaert, founder and president of Kidsrights said in a statement. « The mental health crisis of our children has reached a rocking point, exacerbated by the uncontrolled expansion of social media platforms which give priority to commitment rather than the safety of children ”he continued. Between 2018 and 2022, the problematic use of social networks among adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15 years in 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia and Canada increased from 7 to 11 %.

The Kidsright Index, an annual report led by the Foundation, assesses the degree of membership of 194 countries to children’s rights and to what extent the countries strive to improve these rights. In his 2025 report, Kidsrights identified a « Troubling correlation » between the deterioration of the mental health of children and what the organization describes as use « problematic » Social networks, namely a compulsive and addictive use of networks which has a negative impact on the daily operation of the user.

The lack of data on the mental health of children is a major problem according to the report, and reveals a « Urgent need » coordinated action aimed at confronting the harmful impact of the digital environment on children and adolescents. « We are witnessing the fighting of governments to contain a digital crisis which is fundamentally remodeling childhood »continued Marc Dullaert, calling for prioritizing the well-being of children rather than « Business profits ».

The report reports significant regional variations, citing Europe as the region where 13 -year -old children are the most exposed to the risk of problematic use of social networks, up to 13 %, and where the level of digital dependence of young people aged 15 is « unprecedented »with 39 % of them in continuous contact with their friends via networks.

Supported by France and Spain, Greece proposed last week during a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg to supervise the use of online platforms by children, faced with concerns about their addictive nature. In February, The mini-series Adolescence Netflix had revealed in particular the toxic and misogynist influences to which young people are exposed online, pushing the British and French governments to want to incorporate the viewing of the program in schools.

Adolescence « highlighted global concerns concerning the representation and protection of children on digital platforms – but we need action, not just indignation »concluded Marc Dullaert. The wish of Emmanuel Macron to prohibit them from access to social networks, whatever the outcome of the above-mentioned European negotiations, will he answer it?