Experts warn that children are overwhelmed by pressure, overstimulation, online violence, and the constant exposure to “perfect lives” on social networks. Many end up feeling inadequate, invisible, or excluded.
This can trigger concentration problems, sleep disorders, social isolation, and low self-esteem—issues that often push parents to seek help from mental health professionals, sometimes too late.
The study shows that one in three children who turned to Save the Children’s counseling services struggled with anxiety and needed psychological support. Among teenagers, the figure rises to more than 50%, with some cases linked to suicide attempts.
Social media also exposes children to risks such as toxic communities, extremist groups, and irresponsible influencers. Parents are often absent from these online spaces, leaving children vulnerable while believing they have found belonging.
Experts note that even digital symbols can mask harmful messages: emojis like frogs, dynamite, or black hearts may signal radicalization, misogyny, or suicidal thoughts.
The age of first exposure to social media is also dropping. In 2019, children typically joined platforms at age 9.
By 2021, the average age had fallen to 8.2 years, and in 2025, significant use is already seen among children as young as 5 to 10.
Two in five children report being insulted or harassed online—a figure that continues to climb. Meanwhile, teenagers admit that social media strongly shapes their values and interests, with influencers playing an increasingly decisive role.
Parents are deeply worried: 75% cite exposure to inappropriate content as their main concern, while 70% fear their children could be contacted by strangers online. More than half (59%) are also concerned about the risk of online crime.
The findings highlight a widening gap between children’s digital experiences and parents’ ability to guide or protect them—a gap that carries growing emotional and social consequences.