Social Media Addiction Alarms for Children and Youth in Germany

Rising Addiction Risk in Digital Habits A joint study conducted by DAK-Gesundheit and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has presented striking data regarding the digital habits of the younger generation in Germany.
While "risky use" refers to intensive consumption that has not yet reached the stage of permanent addiction, the figures are cause for concern.
Current data indicates that these rates have surpassed the 21.1 percent level recorded in the fall of 2024.
Experts Call for Media Literacy Andreas Storm, CEO of DAK-Gesundheit, stated that although there has been a slight decrease in average usage times, the overall picture remains "alarming." He emphasized the need for urgent action to protect children.
Storm noted that simply implementing age limits would not be sufficient.
He called for the strengthening of media literacy to help young people navigate the digital landscape more safely.