Addressing the impact of social media on the mental health of Swiss children and adolescents

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Digital Environment, Health

As technology rapidly evolves, social media has become deeply embedded in the lives of children and adolescents in Switzerland. Apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are central to how young people socialize, explore interests, express themselves, and access news. Although the shift to a digital environment offers many benefits, it also raises concerns about the mental health of Swiss youth.

The positive effects of social media

In Switzerland, social media has become an essential part of daily life for young people, who spend an average of four hours a day online (SWI swissinfo.ch, 2019). According to the latest JAMES study (2022), almost all Swiss adolescents (97%) use WhatsApp to communicate (Hubacher, 2022). In these private digital worlds, new interests, identities, and sources of social support can emerge. For young people who feel lonely in their everyday school or home environments, digital communities can provide a valuable sense of belonging.

In addition to offering opportunities for social connectivity, social media has become a significant source of information and learning. More than half of young Swiss media consumers get their news primarily online or from social media platforms (Meyer, 2017).

These platforms serve as entertainment spaces and help young people navigate contemporary affairs, politics, and social issues relevant to their lives. Social media offers quick access to a wide range of knowledge, allowing them to explore various topics and discover new perspectives.

Social media also provides unique opportunities for children and adolescents to express themselves creatively (Bichsel, 2023). Digital tools and platforms enable them to explore artistic expression by creating, editing, and sharing photos, videos, and music (Bichsel, 2023). This process helps them develop their artistic skills, experiment with various creative techniques, and potentially receive feedback on their creations. 

Rising incidents of cyberbullying and online sexual harassment

Despite its advantages, social media use has been linked to detrimental mental health outcomes. In Switzerland, nearly one in three young people report feeling stressed by social media (SWI swissinfo.ch, 2022). Recent evidence indicates that cyberbullying and online sexual harassment are rising at alarming rates (Külling et al., 2022). 

According to the JAMES 2022 study, 29% of surveyed adolescents reported experiencing online sexual harassment (compared with 19% in 2014), with much higher rates for girls than boys (Jeunes et Médias, n.d.; SWI swissinfo.ch, 2022). This form of bullying involves repeated online attacks against an individual, often through social media platforms or messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook (Jeunes et Médias, n.d.). 

The anonymity provided by the internet makes it easier for perpetrators to engage in such behavior without immediate consequences (Gross, 2024). A study by EU Kids Online Switzerland found that a quarter of children and adolescents who experience bullying do not report it (Pro Juventute, n.d.). This silence can lead to severe psychological impacts, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts (Pro Juventute, n.d.).

Social media’s impact on self-worth

Problematic social media use and internet addiction are growing concerns. Excessive digital engagement often displaces meaningful human relationships and physical activities. Statistics reveal that more than 3.8% of the Swiss population aged 15 years and older suffer from internet addiction disorder (Beeli, 2024). 

Teenage girls are particularly vulnerable to this disorder and to other mental health issues associated with social media, such as fear of missing out (FOMO), reduced self-worth, concentration difficulties, and poor sleep quality (Beeli, 2024). This addiction can limit time spent on physical activities and real-world social interactions, increasing feelings of loneliness and depression.

In addition, the risk of harm from negative body image and low self-worth is greatest during adolescence. Constant social comparisons on these platforms can worsen self-esteem issues, as users measure their lives against those of peers or influencers. Over the past decade, the rise of social platforms has significantly increased teenagers’ exposure to idealized images (SWI swissinfo.ch, 2015). This pressure can contribute to body image issues and disordered eating behaviors, diminishing adolescents’ sense of self-worth.

Legal frameworks and media literacy in Switzerland 

Many young internet users in Switzerland are exposed to inappropriate or harmful online content with little oversight. Few controls exist over how social media companies manage children’s personal data or the use of algorithmic targeting. Politicians have called for stronger protection of children’s data privacy and greater scrutiny of social media companies’ strategies regarding children.

Consequently, Switzerland has begun to address some of these online dangers. As a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Switzerland has a duty to protect children from all forms of violence, including digital violence. Article 17 specifically covers access to information and protection against harmful content, considering the child’s best interests (United Nations, 1989). 

For instance, the Swiss government has established the Youth and Media (Jeunes et Médias in French) program to enhance media literacy and digital citizenship skills among youth and their parents (e-media.ch, n.d.; Office fédéral des assurances sociales, 2022). Schools are increasingly incorporating digital literacy lessons to ensure that children and adolescents can navigate the internet safely and responsibly (Domenjoz, 2022). 

Despite these efforts, comprehensive policies are necessary to protect minors online, including robust measures against cyberbullying and stricter regulations regarding youth data and algorithms. However, implementing effective policies is complex and requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration (Külling et al., 2022).

Strengthening digital education and parental involvement

Social media has become an integral part of children’s and adolescents’ lives in Switzerland, and its impact on mental health should not be underestimated. Protecting them effectively requires collaboration among policymakers, families, teachers, technology companies, researchers, children, and adolescents. 

Educational efforts to teach digital media literacy, online etiquette, and cyberbullying prevention should be strengthened. These programs can educate students on how to identify and manage online risks while encouraging healthy screen time management and a balanced approach to online and offline activities. However, schools need sufficient funding to effectively teach these essential digital citizenship skills.

Parents also play a crucial role in this educational framework. Establishing clear rules about screen use and maintaining open dialogues with their children about their online experiences is fundamental to managing online risks and supporting their children’s self-esteem (Addiction Suisse, 2023). 

Enhancing regulatory measures and support services

In addition to educational and parental efforts, the Swiss government is considering stronger regulations to protect children and adolescents online. Proposed measures include stricter content controls, harsher penalties for cyberbullying, and enhanced data protection requirements for social media platforms. Complementing these regulatory efforts are national awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about social media risks and mitigation strategies. 

Furthermore, there is a need for stricter rules and better oversight—such as age gatekeeping, content checks and enforcement, data minimization, and algorithmic transparency—to ensure greater protection for minors on social media platforms. Additional regulations at the European level are needed to address the global reach of these platforms. Children and adolescents should also be involved in designing online safety solutions, as guaranteed by Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Commission fédérale pour l’enfance et la jeunesse, 2024; United Nations, 1989).

Finally, accessible psychological support services for children and adolescents affected by social media are crucial. Expanded access to mental health services—especially for social media-related anxieties, addictions, body image issues, and suicidal ideation—is essential. Schools and communities should provide drop-in, confidential counseling and support programs to help children and adolescents manage stress and anxiety related to their online interactions while reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.  

Humanium is committed to raising awareness about children’s rights in the digital age and advocating for more effective policies to ensure their mental well-being. We encourage children or parents who feel that social media is affecting their mental health or their children’s mental health to reach out to our Helpline. You can also support our advocacy by donating, volunteering, or becoming a member.

Written by Or Salama

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