A Maltese World Health Organization (WHO) official has suggested that digital devices like smartphones may need regulation similar to age-restricted products, such as cigarettes, to address rising concerns over addiction to smartphones and social media.
Dr. Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, WHO’s Director of Country Health Policies, raised this idea at the European Health Forum, highlighting the need to control where and when such devices can be used.
She pointed to a recent WHO study of 280,000 youths, which found that 1 in 10 struggle to manage their social media use, and that problematic behavior related to gaming and social media is on the rise in Europe.
The suggestion was made to international news platform Politico, and was subsequently picked up by other news platforms.
Dr. Azzopardi Muscat discussed the potential for measures like age limits, controlled pricing, and designated usage areas, similar to smoking regulations in public spaces.
She also emphasized the importance of educating children and teenagers about the risks of excessive smartphone use.
Research from King’s College London found that 33% of teens reported “Problematic Smartphone Use” (PSU), which was linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. While Azzopardi Muscat acknowledged the growing problem, she urged caution and further research before implementing strict regulations.
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