Romania and social media addiction among children – A wake-up call for parents

Every day, parents across Romania see how the phone or tablet has become their children’s favorite possession. Some of us joke that “kids were born with technology in their hands,” others are glad that “they know how to manage on their own.” However, a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) forces us to look at this phenomenon from a less optimistic perspective: Romania ranks first in Europe for problematic social media use among children and adolescents.

According to the data, 22% of Romanian children and adolescents aged 11 to 15 fall into the category of “problematic users.” This means that almost one in four exhibits online behavior similar to addiction. The percentage is double the international average of 11% (Source: Edupedu.ro, WHO 2021–2022 study).

What does “problematic use” actually mean?

We are not just talking about “spending too much time on the phone.” WHO uses a standardized tool – the Social Media Disorder Scale – which measures 9 behaviors typical of addiction. A child is considered a “problematic user” if they answer “yes” to at least 6 of these items. The questions assess:

• Whether the adolescent thinks obsessively about social media.
• Whether they feel the need to be online more and more often to feel good.
• Whether they become frustrated, anxious, or irritable when unable to access platforms.
• Whether they have tried to reduce their time online, without success.
• Whether they use social media to forget about problems.
• Whether they neglect homework, hobbies, or family time because of their phone.
• Whether they lie about the amount of time spent online.
• Whether they lose interest in offline activities.
• Whether they have conflicts with family or friends because of their social media use.

Researchers state that these behaviors are linked to mental health problems (anxiety, depression), declining school performance, and difficulties in face-to-face relationships.

How the situation looks by age and gender

Statistics from Romania reveal a worrying dynamic:

• At age 11 – 17% of boys and 18% of girls show problematic use.
• At age 13 – the percentage rises significantly: 21% of boys and 28% of girls.
• At age 15 – girls remain at a high level (28%), while boys drop to 18%.

This curve highlights an important point: age 13 is a critical stage, especially among girls, when social pressure, comparisons, and the need for belonging become extremely strong.

Online contacts – above the international average

Regardless of whether we are talking about problematic use or not, Romanian children spend more time in online contact with friends than the international average:

• Age 11: 24% vs. 20% international average.
• Age 13: 33% vs. 27%.
• Age 15: 36% vs. 31%.

Why is Romania in first place?

There is no single reason, but rather a combination of factors:

1. Lack of systematic digital education – in schools, the subject is rarely addressed in a structured way.
2. Uncontrolled access to technology – many children receive high-performance phones without clear rules.
3. Social and cultural pressure – in many groups, status is tied to online presence and activity.
4. Parental modeling – many parents themselves spend a lot of time on their phones, normalizing the behavior.
5. Lack of attractive alternatives – few extracurricular activities that are both accessible and suited to children’s interests.

What parents can do – age-based solutions

WHO experts stress that the first line of intervention is the family. Here are some recommendations tailored to different age groups:

For ages 11–12

• Set clear rules together regarding time spent online.
• Introduce “screen-free zones” at home (mealtime, bedroom).
• Encourage face-to-face friendships and sports activities.

For ages 13–14

• Talk about social pressure and how social media algorithms work.
• Discreetly monitor online activity and be available for judgment-free discussions.
• Offer real alternatives: camps, creative courses, volunteering.

For ages 15+

• Negotiate digital rules and responsibilities (screen time, types of content).
• Discuss online safety.
• Encourage a balance between online and offline life, without harsh bans, but with clear limits.

Children don’t just need technology. They need guidance, boundaries, and healthy examples in order to grow up balanced in a digital world that can no longer be ignored.

Main source: Edupedu.ro – based on WHO 2021–2022 study