"EU's Solution to Teen Smartphone Addiction: A Cure in the Works"

The European Union (EU) is taking steps to address excessive use of social media platforms and potential harm to children's mental health. Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which comes into effect at the end of August, major online platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube will be required to prove that they are taking measures to protect children and open their systems to scrutiny by the European Commission. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to six percent of companies' global annual revenue. While the exact link between social media use and teen mental health is debated, concerns include anxiety, depression, body image issues, and poor concentration. The EU's new rules aim to mitigate potential risks and protect minors, but the effectiveness and enforcement of these measures remain uncertain.