The uncontrolled spread of social media is driving a global rise in mental health issues among adolescents, according to a new report by the child protection organisation KidsRights.

One in seven people aged between ten and 19 already suffers from mental health problems, the Amsterdam-based NGO found in collaboration with Erasmus University Rotterdam. "This year's report is a wake-up call we can no longer ignore," said KidsRights chair Marc Dullaert on Wednesday.

The mental health crisis "among our children has reached a tipping point, exacerbated by the uncontrolled spread of social media platforms," whose user numbers "take precedence over the safety of children," the report warns. Problematic use of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok is reportedly on the rise.

The findings highlight a direct connection between intensive internet use and suicide attempts. Among those aged 15 to 19, official data shows six suicides per 100,000 young people. However, KidsRights described this figure as "the tip of the iceberg", stating that the stigma surrounding suicide often leads to underreporting.

The organisation monitors compliance with children's rights in 194 countries each year. According to the report, Europe is the region where 13-year-olds are most at risk of problematic online network use, with 13 percent of this age group affected. Internet addiction among 15-year-olds in Europe is described as "unprecedented", affecting 39 percent.

KidsRights rejects blanket internet bans for minors, warning that such restrictions would infringe upon children's civil and political rights. Instead, the organisation calls for global research into the effects of social media use on adolescents, better education, and improved training for psychologists.

"We need concrete measures to ensure that the digital revolution enhances rather than endangers the well-being of the world's 2.2 billion children," Dullaert said. "The time for half-measures is over."

The report comes as EU digital ministers discuss calls from several member states to ban platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for children. France, Greece and Denmark want to restrict access to users aged 15 and under, with strict age verification measures. They have urged the European Commission to introduce binding, EU-wide regulations.

Although platforms are already subject to age limits under their terms of use – 13 for TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and X, and 16 for YouTube and Tumblr – users are only required to enter a birth date, with no real enforcement.