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A recent report from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study has shed light on the alarming rates of addiction-like social media use among Malta’s teenage girls. The study reveals that a significant proportion of Maltese adolescent girls exhibit symptoms of social media addiction, including compulsive checking, loss of control, and negative impacts on mental health. They spend an average of several hours per day on social media platforms, often to the detriment of their physical and emotional well-being.
This excessive social media use can lead to decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety, and decreased attention span. Moreover, the constant stream of curated and manipulated content can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, contributing to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. In contrast, the HBSC study found that Maltese boys are more susceptible to problematic gaming habits, with excessive gaming leading to addiction, social isolation, and decreased physical activity, ultimately affecting mental health and overall well-being.
Boys who engage in problematic gaming often experience sleep deprivation, decreased academic performance, and strained relationships with family and friends. The HBSC study’s findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and education to address these pressing issues. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to promote healthy digital habits, encourage responsible social media use, and provide resources for adolescents struggling with addiction-like behaviors.
The report highlights the urgency for action to safeguard the well-being and resilience of Malta’s young people in the face of an increasingly digital world. By acknowledging these concerns and taking proactive measures, Malta can ensure its adolescents develop healthy relationships with technology, mitigating the risks associated with excessive social media use and problematic gaming. Effective strategies will require collaboration, education, and support from families, schools, and communities to foster a culture of responsible digital citizenship.
