Rector: Social media addiction seriously affects children's psychology

Social media addiction has a serious impact on children's psychology, according to Rector of the Azerbaijan Medical University, Garay Garaybayli, Report informs.

Speaking during parliamentary discussions on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, the Law on Information, Informatization and Protection of Information, and the Law on Protecting Children from Harmful Information, he stressed the urgency of addressing mental health issues.

"Mental health has become a pressing issue today, especially for children and adolescents. While 20 years ago classifications of mental disorders focused on drugs and alcohol, now internet addiction is at the forefront," Garaybayli said.

He noted the emergence of the term "social autism", caused by spending long hours on social networks: "Computer games also have a serious impact on children's psychology. Legislation must find alternatives to restrictions imposed on social networks," he added.