DAK-Gesundheit Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Youth Social Media Addiction in Germany

Prevalence of Risky and Pathological Use

A new study conducted by DAK-Gesundheit, a major German health insurance company, in collaboration with the German Center for Addiction Issues in Childhood and Adolescence (DZSKJ) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), has revealed a significant increase in addictive social media behavior among children and adolescents in Germany. The latest findings, based on data from September/October 2024, indicate that more than a quarter of all children and young people aged 10 to 17 use social media to a risky or even pathological extent.

Specifically, 21.5 percent of respondents showed risky social media use in autumn 2024. Furthermore, 6.6 percent of children and adolescents are classified as pathologically addicted to social media, translating to approximately 350,000 young individuals across Germany. This represents a notable increase from previous years; for instance, in September 2023, 6.1 percent met the criteria for pathological use, nearly doubling the 3.2 percent recorded in 2019.

Usage Patterns and Demographics

The study, part of a longitudinal series ongoing since 2019, surveyed around 1,000 to 1,200 children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 and one parent from representative German households. While average daily usage times have slightly decreased compared to the peak during the pandemic, they remain substantial. According to the 2024 data, children and adolescents spend an average of 2.7 hours on social media on weekdays and 3.3 hours on weekends.

Age appears to be a factor in the severity of problematic use. Data from September 2023 showed that adolescents aged 14 to 17 years were significantly more affected by pathological social media use (7.6 percent) than younger children aged 10 to 13 years (4.6 percent).

Associated Risks and Parental Concerns

The study highlights several negative consequences linked to problematic social media use. Children and adolescents exhibiting such behaviors report significantly higher rates of:

• Depressive symptoms
• Anxiety symptoms
• Increased stress levels

The research also delved into the phenomenon of 'Phubbing' (phone snubbing), where individuals are ignored due to another's smartphone use. The 2024 wave found that about one-third of children (29.2 percent) or parents (35.2 percent) feel neglected by others' smartphone use, leading to conflicts for a quarter of those surveyed. Children and adolescents who frequently experience phubbing tend to show higher psychological distress, including loneliness, depression, stress, and anxiety.

Parents of children with problematic media consumption often feel less confident in their media education abilities. These 'uncertain' parents are less likely to enforce media-free times or rules regarding content, and they implement existing rules less consistently.

Calls for Action

Andreas Storm, Chairman of DAK-Gesundheit, described the findings as 'alarming' and urged for swift action to protect children. He emphasized that introducing age limits alone would be insufficient, and that greater promotion of media literacy is essential. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach involving parents, schools, governmental institutions, and digital service providers to foster healthy media use and prevent problematic patterns.