More than one in ten minors has problematic use of social networks.

Omissions

• Geographic scope: the data source uses the WHO European region, which extends beyond the EU to include countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, and Central Asian states. The claim presents this as an EU figure without that caveat.
• Age range: the HBSC survey samples adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15, not all minors (aged 0–17). The prevalence among other age groups is not captured.
• Data recency: the most recent available data is from the 2021/2022 HBSC survey — roughly four years before the claim was made in June 2026. Updated data may exist but was not cited.
• The MEP did not cite any source for the figure, making independent verification dependent on external research.

Sources

• PrimaryWHO Regional Office for EuropeNew data from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals a sharp rise in problematic social media use among adolescents, with rates increasing from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022.
• PrimaryHBSC (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children) International Coordinating CentreRise in problematic social media use: The proportion of adolescents classified as problematic social media users increased from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022.
• SecondaryEuropean Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS)More than 1 in 10 adolescents (11%) showed signs of problematic social media use, reporting addiction-like symptoms.
• SecondaryUNICEF Europe and Central AsiaProblematic social media use has risen from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022 and varies across countries.