The mental health of Czech children is worsening, with the number of adolescents diagnosed with mental illnesses increasing by one-third in the last decade. Statistics indicate that 20% of adolescents engage in self-harm, with a significant rise among girls aged 15, where one in three reports self-harm experiences. The findings come from a study conducted by Palacký University in Olomouc, which surveyed 4,000 young individuals aged 11 to 19.

In response to these alarming statistics, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is looking to implement a ban on social media for children under the age of 15, inspired by similar measures taken in France and Australia. Experts agree that social networks contribute to these psychological issues, but they emphasize that they are not the sole cause. The rise in mental health problems has seen nearly 67,000 children receiving treatment in the Czech Republic, up from just under 50,000 in 2015, indicating a clear public health concern that is worsening over time.

The implications of such a ban could be significant, as it may lead to a reduction in the overwhelming online pressures faced by young people. However, there are also concerns about the potential reduction in social connection that online platforms provide. The government and healthcare professionals will need to consider both the immediate mental health crises and the long-term social needs of adolescents when implementing such regulations. This growing crisis emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to adolescent mental health that goes beyond merely restricting access to social media.