Social Media and Teenagers: Why Is Lithuania Still Asleep?

Lithuania is lagging behind international efforts to protect teenagers from the harms of social media, with the article urging the country to address a growing crisis of digital addiction. While the United Kingdom has implemented a sweeping ban on platforms like TikTok and Instagram for children under 16, Lithuania remains in the early stages of discussion.

Research from Vilnius University in early 2026 revealed that one in five young Lithuanians aged 18-24 exhibit serious signs of social media addiction. The study's authors noted that this figure likely underestimates the problem, as addiction rates among younger, school-aged adolescents are probably even higher, though not yet thoroughly measured.

This digital dependency is occurring as harmful content, including material promoting eating disorders, extremism, and age-inappropriate sexual content, is algorithmically amplified by platforms designed to maximize engagement rather than user well-being. While a 13-year-old in Vilnius faces the same algorithmic pressures as one in London, only the latter now has a government prepared to act.

Other nations are taking decisive steps. Australia enacted one of the world's strictest laws in late 2024, banning social media for under-16s and placing the burden of age verification on platforms. France has also introduced restrictions for children under 15. The article questions why Lithuania has not developed a national plan, legal framework, or coordinated public health response to these significant risks.