Policy on young people's use of social media

28.11.2018

Question for written answer E-006027-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso (PPE)

The policy commitment to ‘smart cities’, based on the integration of digital and analogue services, is one of the core elements of the change under way in our societies, promising, as it does, both cost savings for companies and individuals and convenient service provision.

The use of social media, driving connectivity as a way of life, will increase accordingly in terms of both users’ time and the range of applications involved.

It is clear, however, from studies published this year by the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science, that there has been insufficient research into the collateral impact of these changes on teenagers’ overall wellbeing and especially their mental health.

The Society points to drawbacks associated with the intensive use of social media, including deep-sleep deprivation, a risk of early-onset depression and an increase in the likelihood of heart disease in later life.

1. Given these possible prognoses, has the Commission set in motion any measures to prevent the over-use of social media by teenagers?

2. Is it planning to increase the funding for research into, and awareness raising about, these potential problems among teenagers in Europe?