Scientific article
OA Policy
English

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

First online date2026-02-21
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.

Keywords
  • Problematic Use of Internet
  • Public Policy
  • Mental Health
  • Adolescents
  • Addictive Behaviours
  • Europe
Funding
  • European Commission - Boosting Societal Adaptation and Mental Health in a Rapidly Digitalizing, Post-Pandemic Europe [101080238]
  • UK Research and Innovation - Bootstrap [10082693]
Citation (ISO format)
LARRAIN, Blanca et al. Mapping policies related to problematic usage of the internet in seven European countries : Netherlands, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Estonia and Switzerland. In: Comprehensive psychiatry, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152674
Main files (1)
Article (Published version) - Pre-proof
Identifiers
Journal ISSN0010-440X
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105downloads

Technical informations

Creation03/03/2026 10:30:27
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Update17/03/2026 09:26:33
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