Social Media Addiction in Youth: Risks, Debate & Parental Control Solutions
Leipzig, Germany – The Helios Park-Klinikum Leipzig is reporting a rise in young patients seeking treatment for problematic social media use, mirroring growing concerns about digital addiction. Dr. Med. Michael Kroll, Chefarzt (Chief Physician) of the hospital’s Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie (Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy) department, described the trend in recent comments, noting that affected youth often present with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“They are frequently depressed, anxious. When what was previously normal activity is displaced – fewer hobbies, less time spent with friends, less participation in family life – these are warning signs,” Dr. Kroll stated in an interview with ARD-Mittagsmagazin, according to reports.
The increasing prevalence of these cases is occurring as policymakers debate effective safeguards for minors navigating the digital landscape. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has proposed a system requiring parental consent for adolescent access to social media platforms, mediated through the “EUDI” app – a planned digital wallet intended to store identification documents like personal IDs and driver’s licenses. The app is slated to launch next year, though its realization remains uncertain.
Media pedagogue Thomas Schmidt expressed skepticism about the viability of such restrictions, arguing that outright bans are ineffective and often lead young people to migrate to less regulated platforms. “They are on Roblox, they are on WhatsApp and as well on other services. There they are much less protected, we as adults are not there and we don’t see what they are doing there,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt advocates for stronger oversight and sanctions imposed on the platforms themselves. “Of course, you can advise the providers that we are implementing a very different form of access restriction. If you manage to protect children and young people in your networks, then they should be welcome to use them. And if not, then you will be banned,” he stated.
Dr. Kroll’s clinic has begun offering a new method of treatment, allowing parents and children to receive psychiatric care simultaneously when both are experiencing mental health challenges. This approach, launched in July 2025, addresses the interconnectedness of family mental health, particularly in cases where parental stress or trauma impacts children, or vice versa. The clinic also emphasizes relational and family medicine, working closely with families and schools to provide comprehensive support, according to a press release from the Helios Park-Klinikum Leipzig.
The clinic’s approach reflects a growing recognition of the importance of involving parents and caregivers in the treatment process, as highlighted in Dr. Kroll’s 2018 publication, “Achtsam lernen – Psychische Gesundheit systemisch bilden” (Mindful Learning – Systemic Formation of Mental Health), which explored the potential of schools as centers for prevention. Dr. Kroll has also emphasized the value of viewing children and adolescents as experts on their own experiences.