Child safety and mental health concerns rise across Europe

Various regional initiatives and international warnings have highlighted growing concerns regarding the safety and mental health of children and youth in the digital age.

In Montenegro, students met with parliamentarians to demand better psychological counseling, safer employment during studies, and stronger digital protections for minors. Meanwhile, in Croatia, health experts are addressing rising mental health pressures caused by social media and academic expectations, with plans to establish 120 psychological counseling centers over the next three years.

Security concerns are mounting as Interpol warns that artificial intelligence is being used to exploit innocent photos of children for sexual extortion, complicating police investigations. Additionally, the European Data Protection Board has issued guidelines for smart glasses to ensure users are aware when they are being recorded.

Educational and community efforts are also underway to combat cyberbullying and human trafficking. Programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia emphasize the importance of school mediation, open communication between parents and children, and recognizing behavioral changes that may indicate online exploitation or psychological distress.