Digital threat to children: EU raises alarm over mental health of young people
The growing digital threats to children's mental health have become the focus of EU health ministers. During a meeting in Luxembourg on Friday, they appealed for joint action by schools, parents and local governments to effectively counter cyberbullying, hate and loneliness among young internet users.
During Friday's meeting in Luxembourg , EU health ministers expressed concerns about the impact of digital technologies on children's psyche . According to unanimously adopted conclusions, schools, local governments, families and young people themselves should play a key role in counteracting phenomena such as hate, loneliness and cyberbullying , noted Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna .
Chairing the meeting on behalf of Poland, which currently holds the Presidency of the EU Council , Izabela Leszczyna recalled that the topic of children’s mental health is one of the most important points on the Polish agenda.
- What is even more important is prevention, to prevent a mental health crisis. In the conclusions, we clearly indicate that schools, local governments, parents and young people themselves must be involved in how to counter cyberbullying , loneliness, hate, fake news and everything that the digital era brings with it. Despite many positive things, it unfortunately also carries a threat - said Izabela Leszczyna, Minister of Health .
According to the document, the European Commission should include the topic of children’s mental well-being in the upcoming revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Ministers also stressed the need for more effective enforcement of laws – both European and national – to curb harmful and unfair online activities.
The meeting participants also drew attention to the negative impact of children's early and uncontrolled contact with technology . Overuse of digital devices can result in mental problems , isolation or even gaming addiction . The risks associated with AI were also raised - including building emotional relationships with virtual entities and the threat of disinformation . According to the ministers, children should be taught to recognize manipulated content and the operation of biased algorithms , so that they can better assess digital reality and protect themselves from manipulation . As declared, both improving the law in the area of digital services and real support for young people in the digital world are key to EU actions.
Source: PAP
Updated: 20/06/2025 18:53
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