Almost half of Romanian teenagers believe they spend too many hours in front of screens, with over a third saying that the use of social networks is excessive, according to data from a new Eurobarometer on the impact of excessive screen time and social networks on the mental health of young people.
The phenomenon is widespread across the European Union, where 41% of teenagers say they spend too much time in front of screens, and 39% consider the time spent on social networks excessive.
According to the study, 44% of Romanian teenagers aged 13 to 18 say they spend too much time in front of screens, while 38% have the same perception regarding the use of social networks.
Regarding the impact of social networks on young people's lives, 28% of respondents consider it positive, 34% view it as negative, and 37% say the effects are neutral. When it comes to their own well-being, 41% of teenagers say social networks have a positive impact on their mental health, while 21% say the effects are negative.
Problems faced by adolescents
The survey also reveals a series of issues adolescents have faced in the last month. One-third of respondents (33%) reported eye fatigue, while the same percentage stated they had a less healthy diet than usual.
Additionally, 31% felt tired or overwhelmed, 31% had sleep problems, 28% experienced difficulties in concentration, 27% had headaches, and a quarter of young people (25%) said they did not have enough time for hobbies and other recreational activities.
Risks in the online environment
The data also show a high exposure to risks in the online environment. In the last three months, 44% of Romanian teenagers encountered AI-generated content that they found difficult to identify.
Furthermore, 39% saw false or misleading information, and another 39% were exposed to the promotion of gambling on social networks. Almost a third (32%) noticed the promotion of unhealthy products, such as alcohol or foods high in sugar and fat.
At the same time, one in four teenagers (25%) said they experienced online harassment or witnessed such situations, and 23% were exposed to unwanted violent content or pressures related to their appearance or products they should buy.
The Flash Eurobarometer 579 survey was conducted from March 30 to April 16, 2026, among adolescents aged 13 to 18 in the European Union member states. In Romania, 1,042 teenagers were interviewed.