NGO Reports Social Media as Major Contributor to Youth Mental Health Crisis

A prominent children's organization has issued a stark warning about the detrimental impact of social media on the mental health of children and teenagers. According to the KidsRights report published on June 11, 2025, the rapid and unchecked growth of social media platforms is fueling an unprecedented global mental health crisis among youth. The report highlights that approximately one in seven children aged 10 to 19 are experiencing mental health issues, with the estimated global suicide rate for those aged 15-19 at six per 100,000. However, these figures likely underestimate the true scope, as many suicides go unreported due to stigma.

Marc Dullaert, the chair of KidsRights, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that this year's report serves as a critical wake-up call. He pointed out that the crisis has reached a tipping point, largely driven by social media platforms that prioritize user engagement over child safety. The report links problematic social media use directly to increased risks of suicidal attempts among youth, indicating a disturbing correlation between excessive internet activity and mental health deterioration.

While some nations, such as Australia, have implemented laws banning social media use for children under 16, the report warns against total bans, which could infringe on children's rights to access information. Instead, the organization advocates for comprehensive child rights impact assessments of digital platforms, better educational programs for young users, and targeted training for mental health professionals to address online-related mental health issues.

The report also highlights the need for greater awareness and concrete measures, citing the Netflix mini-series "Adolescence" which sheds light on the toxic content children encounter online. Dullaert stresses that awareness alone is insufficient; immediate actions are necessary to ensure that the digital revolution supports children's well-being rather than compromising it. The findings call for a coordinated global effort to implement policies and practices that safeguard mental health amidst rapid digital transformation, safeguarding the future of 2.2 billion children worldwide.