Epidemiol Prev. 2025 Jul-Aug;49(4):267-271. doi: 10.19191/EP25.4.078.
ABSTRACT
Problematic smartphone and social media use among adolescents has rapidly become a social emergency with significant mental health implications. Recent studies show an increase in psychiatric symptoms and suicidal behaviors related to patterns of addictive use rather than total exposure time. This phenomenon, amplified by neurocognitive reward mechanisms and the possibility of continuous access, compromises attention, sleep, and interpersonal skills. Prevention strategies are structured on three levels: technical and legal control (use restrictions and school bans), educational and family empowerment (digital education and family use plans), and health prevention through screening and counseling. The article concludes with the hope for a change in strategy: not only limiting use, but also fostering a conscious and critical relationship with technology through coordinated, evidence-based policies.
PMID:41399885 | DOI:10.19191/EP25.4.078
