An international children’s rights NGO is sounding the alarm over what it calls an “unprecedented” mental health crisis among children and teenagers — and it points to the growing influence of social media platforms as a key factor.
1 in 7 Children Affected
According to the 2024 KidsRights Index report, one in seven children aged 10 to 19 worldwide experience mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. From teenagers aged 15 to 19, suicide remains one of the main causes of death, with a global suicide rate of six per 100,000.
However, KidsRights warns these numbers are just “the tip of the iceberg” due to widespread under-reporting, particularly in societies where suicide remains heavily stigmatised.
“The mental health crisis among our children has reached a tipping point,” said KidsRights founder Marc Dullaert.
“It’s being exacerbated by the unchecked expansion of social media platforms that prioritise user engagement over child safety.”
KidsRights warns awareness alone is not enough.
Online Pressure and Toxic Content
The NGO draws attention to a growing body of research that links rising rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among teenagers to "problematic social media use", which includes addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to hazardous content.
The research referenced Netflix's popular miniseries Adolescence as a cultural touchstone that encapsulated the issue's widespread concern.
“We need concrete action to ensure that the digital revolution enhances, not endangers, children’s wellbeing,” Dullaert added.
Blanket Bans? Not the Solution
While countries like Australia have introduced bans on social media use for children under 16, KidsRights says such measures may do more harm than good.
“Blanket bans may infringe on children’s civil and political rights,” the report stated, “particularly their access to information, self-expression, and connection.”
Instead, KidsRights advocates for comprehensive child rights impact assessments, better digital literacy education, and mental health training for professionals dealing with youth.
Moving Towards a Digitally Healthier Future
Fear-based measures and broad restrictions are insufficient to address the escalating situation. Rather, there is an urgent need for a child-centered strategy that places a high priority on media literacy, internet safety, and mental health education. Since Gen Z is still growing up surrounded by technology, the question is not if they should use social media, but rather how we can make it safer, healthier, and more powerful for everyone.
Yue Leng Chong (yldkssyq@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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