# Youth digital wellbeing and mental health in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/youth-digital-wellbeing-and-mental-health-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-08-25T12:09:13.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Concerns regarding youth mental health and digital technology usage have gained prominence in Chile and Argentina. In Chile, an Ipsos Education Monitor 2026 report indicated that 68% of respondents perceive Chilean youth mental health as poor, a figure significantly higher than the global average. The report also noted high social media usage among 15-year-olds and mentioned the upcoming implementation of Law 21.801 to regulate social media in schools.

Discussions have expanded to regional policy and dialogue. The 2026 Youth Future Congress in Chile brought together thousands of participants to address the intersection of mental health, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. Simultaneously, in Argentina, the Social Affairs Commission met with Ministry of Education representatives to analyze the impact of digital devices in schools, specifically focusing on mitigating risks such as grooming, bullying, and cyberbullying.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Youth leaders and policymakers discuss digital challenges in Chile and Argentina

Youth leaders in Chile discussed AI and mental health at the 2026 Youth Future Congress, while Argentina's Social Affairs Commission reviewed digital technology use and cyberbullying in schools.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/youth-leaders-and-policymakers-discuss-digital-challenges-in-chile-and-argentina

### 2026-08-24: Chile faces critical youth mental health and social media concerns

Chile faces critical concerns regarding youth mental health and high social media usage, according to Ipsos and OECD data, prompting discussions on regulation and the distinction between usage and addiction.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-faces-critical-youth-mental-health-and-social-media-concerns

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Cite as: Youth digital wellbeing and mental health in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/youth-digital-wellbeing-and-mental-health-in-south-america
