https://www.iss.nl/en/news/devastating-mental-health-crisis-among-children
The 2025 KidsRights Index report identifies a troubling relationship between problematic social media use and deteriorating mental health situations. Research studies have established a direct correlation between heavy internet and social media use and increased suicide attempts among under-19-year-olds, based on data from Türkiye, Austria, Europe, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Canada and China.
The report also reveals growing international efforts to address digital harms but warns against approaches that may inadvertently violate children's rights. An example includes Australia's ban on social media access for children under 16. The report suggests that more flexible approaches such as those adopted by France and Norway may be preferred.
The report furthermore reveals the serious lack of comprehensive data on children's mental health globally.
Index rankings
The overall KidsRights Index 2025 shows Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg and Germany maintaining their positions as top performers in the realization of children's rights.
Significant movements in ranking included Lithuania's dramatic 92-rank improvement from 112th to 20th place, due primarily to the country’s enhanced performance in creating the enabling environment for children's rights. Armenia improved by 56 ranks (from 125th to 69th) and Argentina advanced 36 positions (from 84th to 48th).
However, concerning declines were observed in several countries. Mexico experienced the steepest fall, dropping 87 ranks from 42nd to 129th, followed by Bulgaria's 75-rank decline from 30th to 105th.
Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the rankings (194th), replacing Chad as the lowest-performing country. South Sudan maintained its position as the second-lowest ranked nation, highlighting persistent challenges in conflict-affected regions.
