Beyond phone bans – a call for comprehensive action on digitalisation and youth mental health
A joint statement by EuroHealthNet's Thematic Working Group on Mental Health
Digital environments are increasingly central to young people’s identity, relationships, and mental health. They offer opportunities for learning, connecting, and seeking information, but also pose risks to mental health, including depression, sleep disruption, exposure to misinformation, and loneliness. Addressing these challenges asks for a comprehensive strategy centred on youth wellbeing.
In a new shared statement, the EuroHealthNet Thematic Working Group (TWIG) on Mental Health calls on policymakers across Europe to look beyond narrow solutions such as banning phones or social media bans and general screen‑time limits. Instead, it calls for a broader, evidence-based approach that supports young people’s mental health in an increasingly digital world.
“Bans alone will not be sufficient. Young people need safe‑by‑design digital spaces, modern skills to navigate them, and real social connections that protect and promote mental health. This statement translates the evidence into clear, feasible next steps for European and national action.”
Hannes Jarke
Project Coordinator - Mental Health Policy
EuroHealthNet
The statement was developed in collaboration with twelve organisations from across Europe and reflects a shared commitment to coordinated action. It highlights practical examples from public health institutes, national and regional authorities, and research organisations in the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Wales, and France.
The joint statement sets out a practical agenda for EU and national decision‑makers, highlighting four priority actions:
- Recognise and monitor digital wellbeing as a pillar of child and youth mental health.
- Provide comprehensive digital literacy education for all, including children, youth, parents, caregivers, and educators.
- Empower and include children and young people in shaping safe digital environments via co-creation.
- Strengthen policy and regulation through decisive legal action against providers breaching EU law
Beyond phone bans
A shared statement on digitalisation and youth mental health from the EuroHealthNet Thematic Working Group on Mental Health
About the EuroHealthNet TWIG on Mental Health
The Thematic Working Group (TWIG) on Mental Health is an expert platform led by EuroHealthNet and the Trimbos Institute. It brings together twelve organisations from across Europe to connect evidence, policy, and practice on youth mental health and digital wellbeing.
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