Parents across the globe are increasingly taking a stand against major social media platforms, pointing to alarming rises in mental health issues among teenagers, such as depression, eating disorders, and self-harm, attributed to social media addiction. The legal action includes approximately 1,600 plaintiffs representing over 350 families and 250 schools, emphasizing the widespread concern regarding the impact of social media on youth.

Although these legal actions are primarily occurring in the United States, similar trends are being observed in Lithuania. A study conducted in collaboration with Vilnius University and commissioned by the mobile operator Tele2 reveals that Lithuanians engage in risky social media use more frequently than their counterparts in other EU countries, with the prevalence of such behavior approximately double the EU average. This disturbing trend raises critical questions about the emotional resilience of young people in Lithuania, indicating a significant correlation between higher social media usage and lower emotional endurance.

Experts warn that even seemingly minor social media engagements can have a cumulative negative effect. If young individuals spend just a few minutes on their phones one morning, it may not have severe consequences; however, if this behavior is repeated daily, for months on end, the ramifications could be dire. Parents are urged to recognize and address these risks to safeguard their children’s mental health in an increasingly digital society.