Debate: Social media in children and young people - time for a ban? Beyond bans: addressing the digital determinants of youth mental health and well-being in the European region.

The complex role that social media plays in shaping young people's mental health and well-being requires a nuanced approach to regulation beyond simple bans. Social media presents demonstrated harms for young people, yet can also be a lifeline and provide a valuable resource for social support, learning, and expression. In this article, we draw on policy actions outlined in the WHO Europe policy brief Addressing the digital determinants of youth mental health and well-being to emphasize the importance of evidence-informed, multi-faceted strategies aligned with the precautionary principle to mitigate risks while maximizing benefits. These strategies include regulating harmful platform features, enhancing digital literacy, empowering parents, increasing industry accountability, and promoting healthy offline activities.