The mental health crisis in children has reached a critical point. It would be exacerbated by “the uncontrolled expansion” of social networks, according to a report by the Kidsright children’s rights group published on Wednesday. According to research by Kidsrights, based in Amsterdam, and the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, over 14 % of 10-19 year olds worldwide experience mental health problems, with a suicide rate Average global of 6 per 100,000 adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years old.
“This year’s report is an alarm signal that we can no longer ignore,” Marc Dullaert, founder and president of Kidsrights said. “The mental health and/or well-being crisis of our children has reached a rocking point, exacerbated by the uncontrolled expansion of social networks platforms which give priority to commitment rather than the safety of children,” he continued.
The Kidsright Index, an annual report led by the Foundation, assesses the degree of membership of 194 countries to children’s rights and to what extent the countries strive to improve these rights.
In his report for 2025, Kidsrights identified a “disturbing correlation” between the deterioration of the mental health of children and what the organization describes as “problematic” use of social networks, namely a compulsive and addictive use of networks which has negative consequences on the daily functioning of the user.
The lack of data on the mental health of children is a major problem according to the report, and reveals an “urgent need” of coordinated action aimed at confronting The harmful impact of the digital environment on children and adolescents.
“Childhood reshaped”
“We are witnessing the fighting of governments to contain a digital crisis Who is fundamentally remodeling childhood, “continued Marc Dullaert, calling for prioritizing the well-being of children rather than” business profits “.
The report reports on significant regional variations, citing Europe as the region where children aged 13 are the most exposed to the risk of problematic use of social networks, up to 13 %, and where the level of digital dependence of young people aged 15 is “unprecedented”, with 39 % of them in continuous contact with their friends via networks.
Supported by France and Spain, Greece proposed last week during a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg to supervise the use of online platforms by children, faced with concerns about their addictive nature.
France wants to prohibit networks under 15
France is favorable to the ban on social networks at under 15but the subject is debated within the EU. “We would have a more effective response if we could legislate at European level. I believe that there is an increasingly important awareness, they are themes with which all European societies are confronted. But if a consensus does not emerge, France will show the way in the coming months, ”said Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate in charge of Europe, this Wednesday morning in Public Senate.
In February, the Netflix “adolescence” mini-series had revealed in particular the toxic and misogynist influences to which young people are online, pushing the British and French governments to want to incorporate the program viewing in schools.
Adolescence “highlighted the global concerns about the representation and protection of children on digital platforms – but we need action, not just indignation,” concluded Marc Dullaert.
