During a meeting of the parliamentary subcommittee on mental health, Jakub Sękowski, deputy director of the Department of Public Health at the Polish Ministry of Health, revealed that one-third of primary school students are at increased risk of excessive use of new technologies, especially electronic media. The alarming statistics indicate that 7% of these children exhibit psychological symptoms associated with this addiction. Additionally, girls in secondary schools are particularly vulnerable, exhibiting rising symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disorders. Interestingly, the initial warning signs often manifest as declining academic performance rather than emotional issues.

Marzena Sawicka, the director of the Department of Telecommunications in the Ministry of Digital Affairs, highlighted that young people are increasingly spending substantial amounts of time on their phones, with daily usage ranging from 4.5 to 5 hours. This statistic raises concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children's development and mental health. The problem becomes more pronounced in vulnerable populations, indicating the urgent need for intervention and monitoring of technology use among children.

As legislators and health officials discuss these findings, there is an ongoing debate about the responsibilities of both parents and technology companies in mitigating this growing issue. Strategies may include promoting healthier technology usage habits, improving educational programs about digital literacy, and greater collaboration between health services and schools to address the mental health challenges faced by children due to excessive digital engagement. The implications of this situation necessitate immediate attention to safeguard both the mental well-being and academic success of the youth in Poland.