Young people in the EU like social media. A new survey shows this. 48 percent of young people like it. They think it helps their mental health. Only 21 percent of parents think this.
Many parents worry about the apps. 36 percent of parents see bad effects. Only 18 percent of young people worry. Many young people see no effect at all.
The survey shows more facts. Children use the internet for a long time. Parents guess 1 hour less than reality. On school days, teens spend 4.5 hours online. On weekends, they spend 6.1 hours online.
A long screen-time can cause problems. Examples are headaches or bad sleep. But there is no proof for a direct cause. Maybe sick children use the phone more often.
Experts advise the EU-Commission now. They check a ban for children. Austria plans a ban for kids under 14. A clear plan for the law is missing.
