Mapping policies related to problematic usage of the internet in seven European countries: Netherlands, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Estonia and Switzerland

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This work presents a policy analysis regarding Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) across seven countries (Netherlands, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Estonia, and Switzerland) belonging to or associated with the European Union (EU). I It examines legislative instruments addressing PUI and its multifaceted impacts on society, including social, economic, and political dimensions. Despite the growing prevalence of PUI, particularly among adolescents, and its association with various mental health concerns, the study reveals a notable gap in direct policy interventions targeting PUI within these countries. Existing regulations largely focus on broader digital governance issues like data protection, cybersecurity, and market regulation, offering only indirect approaches to mitigating PUI's adverse effects. Our findings highlight a pressing need for innovative policy frameworks that incorporate mental health considerations into digital governance, promoting a balanced approach that fosters market innovation while ensuring robust public health protections. Building on the policy discourse examined in this study, future research should focus on developing targeted, multidimensional strategies to mitigate the risks associated with problematic internet use (PUI), with particular emphasis on safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152674

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Zurich, University of Trento, University of Hertfordshire, University of Geneva, University Hospital of Geneva, South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, University of Southampton, Eötvös Loránd University, Flinders University, University of Gibraltar, Reichman University, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, University of Lübeck, Bellvitge University Hospital, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica de Bellvitge, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Universitat de Barcelona, Universidade do Porto, University of Macau, Heidelberg University, Tallinn University, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Gothenburg, Yale University, Connecticut Mental Health Center, University of Florence, Mental Health Ireland, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, Inserm, Université de Montpellier, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations, Hôpital Saint Eloi, Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, ETH Zurich, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Technology on Adolescents

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,470

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, University of Cambridge, University of Southampton, European Commission, University of Hertfordshire, Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, H2020 European Research Council, European Health and Digital Executive Agency

Awards: G2000626296, Boosting Societal Adaptation and Mental Health in a Rapidly Digitalizing, Post-Pandemic Europe, G3874228802, G7846655829

OpenAlex ID: W7130824540