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Social media usage and adolescents’ mental health in the EU

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Abstract

In 2022, 96% of 15-year-olds in the EU used social media daily, with 37% spending over three hours per day on these platforms. Results from a representative sample of over 40,000 adolescents from four EU countries show that excessive social media usage is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety. Policy interventions and future research should consider both the intensity of social media use and specific vulnerabilities of different demographic groups, especially young females. Gender-sensitive and context-specific policies are essential to address disparities and challenges across Member States.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertoni Eleonora & Centeno Clara & Cachia Romina, 2025. "Social media usage and adolescents’ mental health in the EU," JRC Research Reports JRC141047, Joint Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc141047
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    File URL: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC141047
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    1. Hunt Allcott & Luca Braghieri & Sarah Eichmeyer & Matthew Gentzkow, 2020. "The Welfare Effects of Social Media," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 110(3), pages 629-676, March.
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    1. Villar Onrubia Daniel & Barreda Angeles Miguel & Cachia Romina & Economou Anastasia & Lopez Cobo Montserrat, 2025. "Cyberbullying: Insights from science, policy and legislation," JRC Research Reports JRC144335, Joint Research Centre.

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