Problematic usage of the internet: A policy map of the use of internet and its possible mental health consequences in adolescents across United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand

This work analyses policies related to the Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) and its relationships to adolescent mental health across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Using a policy path dependency framework, national legislation was examined to assess relationships with PUI. The study maps policy by reviewing governmental legislation and databases, analysing them on macro (societal), meso (market/intermediary organisations), and micro (citizen rights, duties, and protection) levels. It explores legal instruments related to PUI, including data protection, cybersecurity, content regulation, and harassment, offering both historical and comparative analyses across the eight countries. Findings indicate that while several countries have policies indirectly regulating PUI, significant legislative gaps persist relating to adolescent mental health. Most policies address broader internet concerns without specifically targeting PUI or its effects on mental health. Overall, the analysis highlights the need for more targeted public health policies to address the root causes of PUI, advocating for tailored interventions focused on adolescent well-being.

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.