Digital safety initiatives respond to rising social media use among youth

Concerns regarding the impact of social media on youth are rising across Europe. Data from the HBSC study, summarized by the National Institute of Public Health, indicates that problematic social media use among adolescents rose from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022 across 44 studied regions. In Slovenia, 8.9% of adolescents aged 11 to 17 were identified with signs of problematic use in 2022.

Experts note that platforms like TikTok use algorithms designed to provide a continuous stream of personalized content, making it difficult for young users to disengage. This can lead to the displacement of essential activities such as sleep, physical movement, schooling, and face-to-face social interaction.

In response to digital challenges, the Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ) has launched ‘Digitální maják’ (Digital Lighthouse). This information portal provides parents with practical guides, video tutorials, and settings instructions for devices and apps like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The initiative aims to equip families with tools for digital safety, covering topics from the Digital Services Act (DSA) and AI regulation to practical parental controls and open communication strategies.