Addiction

The addiction of children and adolescents to social media is a real epidemic of our time, so the government's initiatives to address the problem is welcome. But parents also have a share of the responsibility, even if they often feel powerless in the face of their children's absolute dependence on mobile phones.

The framework of the national strategy for the protection of children from addiction to the Internet was presented today, Monday 30 December 2024, by Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis at a special event.

The unveiling of key aspects and tools of the national strategy for digital addiction of adults is expected to be unveiled this morning at a special event by the government, which is expected to “lift” the issue even further in 2025.

Social media are easily demonized for everything, and especially for the disorders and violent behavior of teenagers. Restricting the use of these platforms is not a panacea but it is necessary, as their purpose is to transfix their users. 

Young people in Bulgaria are expressing significant concerns about their financial futures, according to alarming new data. The first of its kind study, commissioned by the Association "Network for the Development of Personality and Talents" and conducted by the Trend research center, surveyed individuals aged 15 to 29, including students and those already in the workforce.

The “problematic” use of social networking sites is increasing among young Europeans, who are also at risk of developing addictions to online gaming, the World Health Organization warned today.

New WHO/Europe report indicates need for healthier online habits among adolescents

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has announced the launch of an action plan to combat gambling and digital addiction in schools.

The initiative will address addiction to gambling, the internet, smartphones and video games, Yılmaz said during a meeting of a board convened under the Health Ministry on Sept. 10.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat digital addiction by meeting with children who spend extended periods playing video games.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address various forms of addiction, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş told daily Hürriyet on Aug. 31.

The psychosocial impacts of mobile phone addiction, beginning as early as adolescence, if not childhood, are already being seen by some in the scientific community as a pandemic-level threat. While challenging, implementing additional measures in schools is a positive step. Officials can also consider other ways to raise awareness and promote education on this issue.