Almost Half Of Maltese Teens Can’t Control Their Social Media Use According To Report
Almost half of Maltese teenagers report that they struggle to control the amount of time they spend on social media, according to the ESPAD 2024 European survey.
The study found that 47% of Maltese students aged 15 to 16 scored in the “risky use” category for social media. This indicates that their online habits are beginning to interfere with daily life, school performance, or mood.
The data also shows a clear gender difference, with 54% of girls and 41% of boys reporting high perceived risk.
Gaming behaviour is less of a concern for Maltese adolescents, although 22% scored in the high-risk category overall.
Boys are more affected than girls, with 32% of boys reporting possible problematic gaming compared with 12% of girls.
Experts say that constant scrolling and the fear of missing out can make it harder for teenagers to focus and rest, and many report anxiety when they are unable to check their phones.
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