Digital wellbeing: seeking balance and connection
The report also shows that teens are actively striving for digital wellbeing. While a majority (57%) feel that their online and offline lives are »balanced«, achieving this balance isn’t always easy. Teens grapple with »fear of missing out« and the pressure to stay constantly updated online. As Cáit, 16, from Ireland, explained, »If you’re not on it, then you don’t really understand the jokes, you don’t really understand what’s happening in school, you don’t really understand what everyone’s talking about.« Parents and family members are the most trusted source of advice on healthy online habits. The report reveals that the majority (54%) of teens indicate their parents use strategies or tools to manage their online activity. With over a third (35%) reporting their parents have never done so, and 12% being ›unsure‹, this highlights gaps that need to be further addressed.
Shaping the future of tech: a collaborative approach
Commissioner McGrath emphasised the importance of collaboration in safeguarding young people online. »Effective coordination is absolutely essential, and we are committed to robust consultation,« he stated. He highlighted the Commission’s commitment to engaging with member states, the industry and civil society organisations, as well as convening expert forums and conducting rigorous regulatory impact assessments. »It is vital that we listen to all voices and actors in this space in a truly inclusive manner,« he stressed. Concurrently, the European Commission works on a continent-wide technical solution for digital IDs issued by governments or other trusted sources. Google has endorsed this effort on age assurance, acknowledging the need for a variety of methods to ensure every company meets its responsibilities.
The Future Report reinforces this call for collaboration. As Carla, from Spain, suggests, »People who know about behaviour, like psychologists or sociologists, should be involved in saying what is acceptable and what is not with AI.« They advocate for independent experts and trusted governments to regulate technology, ensuring it aligns with human ethics and rights. Ultimately, safeguarding young people online requires a multi-faceted approach. As Commissioner McGrath concluded, »Our focus is on identifying and addressing gaps, implementing necessary and effective measures to protect young people online.« By combining robust regulation, informed by perspectives from young people, such as those in The Future Report, with a collaborative spirit that includes the voices of young people themselves, Europe can strive to create a digital environment that is not only innovative, but also safe, empowering and truly serves the wellbeing of the next generation.