{"id":76119,"date":"2024-10-08T18:05:42","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T18:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/?p=76119"},"modified":"2025-12-14T04:42:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T04:42:50","slug":"addressing-the-impact-of-social-media-on-the-mental-health-of-swiss-children-and-adolescents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/addressing-the-impact-of-social-media-on-the-mental-health-of-swiss-children-and-adolescents\/","title":{"rendered":"Addressing the impact of social media on the mental health of Swiss children and adolescents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>As <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childrens-rights-and-digital-technologies-childrens-privacy-in-the-age-of-social-media-the-perils-of-sharenting\/\"><strong>technology<\/strong><\/a><strong> rapidly evolves,<\/strong><strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/kidfluencers-and-social-media-the-evolution-of-child-exploitation-in-the-digital-age\/\"><strong>social media<\/strong><\/a><strong> has become deeply embedded in the lives of <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/child-rights\/\"><strong>children<\/strong><\/a><strong> and adolescents in <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/switzerland-2\/\"><strong>Switzerland<\/strong><\/a><strong>. Apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/tiktok-versus-childrens-privacy-pros-and-cons-of-the-most-popular-app-for-teens\/\"><strong>TikTok<\/strong><\/a><strong> 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 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childrens-mental-wellbeing\/\"><strong>mental health<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><strong>of Swiss youth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The positive effects of social media<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/the-risks-for-children-surfing-the-internet\/\">online<\/a> or from social media platforms (Meyer, 2017). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rising incidents of cyberbullying and online sexual harassment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/the-risks-for-children-surfing-the-internet\/\">cyberbullying<\/a> and online sexual harassment are rising at alarming rates (K\u00fclling et al., 2022).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 M\u00e9dias, 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 M\u00e9dias, n.d.).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The anonymity provided by the internet makes it easier for perpetrators to engage in such behavior without immediate consequences (Gross, 2024). A study by <em>EU Kids Online Switzerland<\/em> 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.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Social media\u2019s impact on self-worth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/children-and-addictions\/\">addiction<\/a> disorder (Beeli, 2024).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teenage girls are particularly vulnerable to this disorder and to other mental <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/health-2\/\">health<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019 exposure to idealized images (SWI swissinfo.ch, 2015). This pressure can contribute to body image issues and disordered eating behaviors, diminishing adolescents\u2019 sense of self-worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal frameworks and media literacy in Switzerland&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-1024x580.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-76121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-1024x580.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-1536x871.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-2048x1161.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-830x471.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-230x130.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-350x198.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_1338120284-480x272.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/childrens-rights-and-digital-technologies-childrens-privacy-in-the-age-of-social-media-the-perils-of-sharenting\/\">children\u2019s personal data<\/a> or the use of algorithmic targeting. Politicians have called for stronger <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/protection\/\">protection<\/a> of children\u2019s data privacy and greater scrutiny of social media companies\u2019 strategies regarding children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, Switzerland has begun to address some of these online dangers. As a signatory of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/convention\/\">United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/a>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/the-childs-best-interest\/#:~:text=The%20principle%20of%20%E2%80%9Cthe%20child's,account%20the%20child's%20best%20interest.\">child\u2019s best interests<\/a> (United Nations, 1989).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, the Swiss government has established the Youth and Media (<em>Jeunes et M\u00e9dias<\/em> in French) program to enhance media literacy and digital citizenship skills among youth and their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/family-and-childrensrights\/\">parents<\/a> (e-media.ch, n.d.; Office f\u00e9d\u00e9ral 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).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 (K\u00fclling et al., 2022).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strengthening digital education and parental involvement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media has become an integral part of children\u2019s and adolescents\u2019 lives in Switzerland, and its impact on mental health should not be underestimated. Protecting them effectively requires collaboration among policymakers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/family-and-childrensrights\/\">families<\/a>, teachers, technology companies, researchers, children, and adolescents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/right-to-education\/\">Educational efforts<\/a> to teach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/the-digital-divide-and-its-adverse-consequences-for-millions-of-children\/\">digital media literacy<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s self-esteem (Addiction Suisse, 2023).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enhancing regulatory measures and support services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, there is a need for stricter rules and better oversight\u2014such as age gatekeeping, content checks and enforcement, data minimization, and algorithmic transparency\u2014to 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/the-risks-for-children-surfing-the-internet\/#:~:text=The%20internet%20has%20the%20potential,day%20all%20over%20the%20world.\">online safety<\/a> solutions, as guaranteed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/the-principle-of-inclusion-and-participation\/\">Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child <\/a>(Commission f\u00e9d\u00e9rale pour l\u2019enfance et la jeunesse, 2024; United Nations, 1989).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, accessible psychological support services for children and adolescents affected by social media are crucial. Expanded access to mental health services\u2014especially for social media-related anxieties, addictions, body image issues, and suicidal ideation\u2014is 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-76120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-830x552.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-230x153.jpg 230w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-480x319.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_2146092217-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/presentation\/\">Humanium<\/a> is committed to raising awareness about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/fundamental-rights\/\">children\u2019s rights<\/a> 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\u2019s mental health to reach out to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/helpline\/\">Helpline<\/a>. You can also support our advocacy by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/donation\/\">donating<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/participate\/volunteer\/\">volunteering<\/a>, or becoming a member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Written by Or Salama<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>References:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Addiction Suisse. (2023, October 10). Enqu\u00eate nationale aupr\u00e8s des \u00e9l\u00e8ves : bien-\u00eatre en baisse, avec un recul plus marqu\u00e9 chez les filles. Retrieved from Addiction Suisse at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.addictionsuisse.ch\/press\/enquete-nationale-aupres-des-eleves-bien-etre-en-baisse-avec-un-recul-plus-marque-chez-les-filles\/\">https:\/\/www.addictionsuisse.ch\/press\/enquete-nationale-aupres-des-eleves-bien-etre-en-baisse-avec-un-recul-plus-marque-chez-les-filles<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Beeli, G. (2024, March 28). Social media addiction: causes, symptoms and consequences of addiction. Retrieved from CSS at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.css.ch\/en\/private-customers\/my-health\/mental-health\/stress\/online-addiction.html\">https:\/\/www.css.ch\/en\/private-customers\/my-health\/mental-health\/stress\/online-addiction.html<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Bichsel, B. (2023, September 7). Encouragez la cr\u00e9ativit\u00e9 num\u00e9rique de vos enfants ! Retrieved from Jeunes et M\u00e9dias at https:\/\/www.jeunesetmedias.ch\/blog\/detail\/foerdern-sie-die-digitale-kreativitaet-ihrer-kinder, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Commission f\u00e9d\u00e9rale pour l\u2019enfance et la jeunesse (CFEJ). (2024, March). Promouvoir la sant\u00e9 mentale des enfants et des jeunes sur le long terme. Position de la Commission f\u00e9d\u00e9rale pour l\u2019enfance et la jeunesse (CFEJ). Retrieved from CFEJ at <a href=\"https:\/\/ekkj.admin.ch\/fileadmin\/user_upload\/ekkj\/02pubblikationen\/Positionspapier\/f_Position_CFEJ_Promouvoir_la_sante_mentale_des_enfants_et_des_jeunes_sur_le_long_terme.pdf\">https:\/\/ekkj.admin.ch\/fileadmin\/user_upload\/ekkj\/02pubblikationen\/Positionspapier\/f_Position_CFEJ_Promouvoir_la_sante_mentale_des_enfants_et_des_jeunes_sur_le_long_terme.pdf<\/a>, accessed on September 5, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Domenjoz, J. (2022, November 7). Media literacy education in Western Switzerland. Retrieved from Media &amp; Learning at <a href=\"https:\/\/media-and-learning.eu\/type\/featured-articles\/media-literacy-education-in-western-switzerland\">https:\/\/media-and-learning.eu\/type\/featured-articles\/media-literacy-education-in-western-switzerland<\/a>\/, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">e-media.ch. (n.d.). Plateforme Jeunes et M\u00e9dias. Retrieved from e-media.ch at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-media.ch\/Jeunes-et-medias\/Plateforme-Jeunes-et-Medias\">https:\/\/www.e-media.ch\/Jeunes-et-medias\/Plateforme-Jeunes-et-Medias<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Gross, H. (2024, June 27). How to protect yourself and your child against cyber bullying. Retrieved from AXA at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.axa.ch\/en\/privatkunden\/blog\/at-home\/law-and-justice\/cyberbullying-protection-children.html\">https:\/\/www.axa.ch\/en\/privatkunden\/blog\/at-home\/law-and-justice\/cyberbullying-protection-children.html<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Hubacher, S. (2022, November 24). JAMES study: Girls are the trendsetters on social networks. Retrieved from Swisscom at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swisscom.ch\/en\/about\/news\/2022\/11\/24-james-studie-2022.html\">https:\/\/www.swisscom.ch\/en\/about\/news\/2022\/11\/24-james-studie-2022.html<\/a>, accessed on September 2, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Jeunes et M\u00e9dias. (n.d.). Cyberharc\u00e8lement. Retrieved from Jeunes et M\u00e9dias at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jeunesetmedias.ch\/themes\/cyberharcelement-ridiculiser-et-demolir\">https:\/\/www.jeunesetmedias.ch\/themes\/cyberharcelement-ridiculiser-et-demolir<\/a>, accessed on August 28, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">K\u00fclling, C., Waller, G., Suter, L., Willemse, I., Bernath, J., Skirgaila, P., Streule, P., &amp; S\u00fcss, D. (2022). JAMES \u2013 Jeunes, activit\u00e9s, m\u00e9dias \u2013 enqu\u00eate Suisse. Retrieved from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) at <a href=\"https:\/\/digitalcollection.zhaw.ch\/server\/api\/core\/bitstreams\/a062ab49-d4ef-4bc9-ba7d-eca80395e474\/content\">https:\/\/digitalcollection.zhaw.ch\/server\/api\/core\/bitstreams\/a062ab49-d4ef-4bc9-ba7d-eca80395e474\/content<\/a>, accessed on August 27, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Meyer, M. (2017, October 23). Most young Swiss keep informed online. Retrieved from SWI swissinfo.ch at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/business\/most-young-swiss-keep-informed-online\/43619274\">https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/business\/most-young-swiss-keep-informed-online\/43619274<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Office f\u00e9d\u00e9ral des assurances sociales (OFAS). (2022, October 25). Plateforme nationale Jeunes et m\u00e9dias. Retrieved from OFAS at https:\/\/www.bsv.admin.ch\/bsv\/fr\/home\/politique-sociale\/kinder-und-jugendfragen\/jugendschutz\/nationale-plattform-jugend-und-medien.html, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Pro Juventute. (n.d.). Cyberharc\u00e8lement : agir rapidement est n\u00e9cessaire. Retrieved from Pro Juventute at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.projuventute.ch\/fr\/parents\/medias-et-internet\/cyberharcelement\">https:\/\/www.projuventute.ch\/fr\/parents\/medias-et-internet\/cyberharcelement<\/a>, accessed on August 28, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">SWI swissinfo.ch. (2015, September 8). Swiss teens and the body image problem. Retrieved from SWI swissinfo.ch at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/society\/balanced-perspective_swiss-teens-and-the-body-image-problem\/41642948\">https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/society\/balanced-perspective_swiss-teens-and-the-body-image-problem\/41642948<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">SWI swissinfo.ch. (2019, August 26). Young Swiss spend on average four hours a day online. Retrieved from SWI swissinfo.ch at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/society\/online-habits_young-swiss-develop-coping-strategies-for-internet-use\/45185268\">https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/society\/online-habits_young-swiss-develop-coping-strategies-for-internet-use\/45185268<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">SWI swissinfo.ch. (2022, November 24). Sharp increase in online sexual harassment among Swiss teens. Retrieved from SWI swissinfo.ch at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/business\/sharp-increase-in-online-sexual-harassment-among-swiss-teenagers\/48083574\">https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/business\/sharp-increase-in-online-sexual-harassment-among-swiss-teenagers\/48083574<\/a>, accessed on September 6, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">United Nations. (1989, November 20). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/instruments-mechanisms\/instruments\/convention-rights-child\">https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/instruments-mechanisms\/instruments\/convention-rights-child<\/a>, accessed on September 3, 2024.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":76122,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[152,179,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-childrens-rights","category-digital-environment","category-health"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Addressing the impact of social media on the mental health of Swiss children and adolescents - Humanium<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In Switzerland, the shift to a digital environment raises concerns about the mental health of the youth.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.humanium.org\/en\/addressing-the-impact-of-social-media-on-the-mental-health-of-swiss-children-and-adolescents\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Addressing the impact of social media on the mental health of Swiss children and adolescents - 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