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[HEALTH] · Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand · 30 sources

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Part of situation: Global health concerns over youth screen time and addiction (138 clusters)

The Lancet: Digital media use linked to youth mental health risks

digital media public health social media addiction youth mental health The Lancet

A series of research papers published in The Lancet indicates that problematic digital media use among youth is a significant public health issue. A global review of 121 studies involving nine million individuals under age 25 found associations between excessive digital engagement and increased risks of mental health issues, sleep disruption, and reduced physical activity.

Researchers estimate that excessive screen time may be linked to approximately 20% of depression cases and 15% of obesity cases in young people. Experts, including Jay Shaw from the University of Toronto, argue that the responsibility for protecting youth should shift from individual families and screen-time limits to tech companies and governments. They highlight that platform design choices, such as the ‘infinite scroll’ and engagement-driven algorithms, act as digital determinants of health.

While digital media can offer benefits like social connection and information access, the research suggests that the current business models of major technology companies prioritize data collection and user retention, which can exacerbate health risks. Experts are calling for coordinated global governance and increased transparency, urging tech companies to share data on how specific platform features impact user health.

Entities

Digital Transformations for Health Lab · Jay Shaw · Louise Holly · The Lancet · University of Toronto

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

A Reckoning on Social Media Addiction Came Late for Many Kids. Will AI Safety Be Different? [www.europesays.com]
El móvil impacta en la calidad de vida como la renta o la educación [radiokollasuyo.bo]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [thecrystaleyes.com]
Digital media and children: how screen use can help or harm - study | MadeForMums [www.madeformums.com]
Lancet fordert Schutz von Jugendlichen: weg vom Screen-Time-Mythos [www.it-boltwise.de]
Dijital Medyanın Çocuklara Zararları ve Sağlıklı Kullanım Yöntemleri [www.haberaktuel.com]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [kitchener.citynews.ca]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [edmonton.citynews.ca]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [vancouver.citynews.ca]
Social Media and Youth: Experts Warn of Mental Health Risks [ournews.bs]
Proposed social media ban draws mixed reaction | News [thelinknewspaper.ca]
Young people and smartphones: the study on risks for mental health, sleep and obesity. Immediate measures are needed [evidencenetwork.ca]
Beyond screen time: why digital media needs regulation - Expert Reaction [www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz]
2,8 millions d'années perdues à cause de la dépression chez les jeunes : les experts exigent des règles strictes pour les géants de la tech | Toute l’actualité en France et dans le Monde - upday News [www.upday.com]
The Lancet pide datos sobre daños de medios digitales [www.lavozdemichoacan.com.mx]
Lancet: Las actuales pruebas del daño a la salud en el entorno digital justifican actuar [elnuevodiario.com.do]
expert reaction to a series of papers on digital media use and its impact on health [www.sciencemediacentre.org]
Digital media can be toxic, but your kid will likely use it anyway. Can you make it healthier? [abc17news.com]
Digital media can be toxic, but your kid will likely use it anyway. Can you make it healthier? [krdo.com]
Digital media can be toxic, but your kid will likely use it anyway. Can you make it healthier? [localnews8.com]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [www.brandonsun.com]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [calgary.citynews.ca]
Global experts call for coordinated action on digital health risks [www.news-medical.net]
A reckoning on social media addiction came late for many kids. Will AI safety be different? [www.troyrecord.com]
Could South Africa ban social media for under-16s? [www.thesouthafrican.com]
Il Lancet: giovani e smartphone, servono misure immediate [www.focus.it]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts - National [globalnews.ca]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [www.narcity.com]
Screen time limits not enough to tackle problematic social media use: experts [www.winnipegfreepress.com]
Global action urged over digital media’s harm to young people’s mental health [www.independent.co.uk]