A report from the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) reveals that 42% of young Moroccans have experienced a decline in their academic performance due to excessive dependence on digital content.
In an opinion titled “For an Inclusive Digital Environment that Offers Protection to Children,” presented last Thursday during a meeting at its headquarters in Rabat, the CESE highlights that “this decline in academic performance is directly linked to the increase in addictive screen-related behaviors among young people.”
This opinion, prepared as part of an independent initiative, raises concerns about the social consequences of screen addiction among youth, including school dropout and educational disengagement.
A study conducted by the CESE, with results presented in the report, shows that nearly 43% of the young respondents neglect their basic needs (such as food and sleep) because of excessive use of digital technology. Additionally, about 36% of respondents reported having conflicts with family members or friends due to their addiction.
The report also warns about the risks associated with digital usage among young people and children, including exposure to inappropriate sexual content, extremist or racist discourse, false information, and online gambling.
It further emphasizes that “these addictive behaviors can lead to more serious problems, such as social isolation, depression, suicide attempts, and, in some cases, actual suicides.” The CESE therefore calls for ongoing monitoring of the content consumed by young people, with parental responsibility at the forefront.
Additionally, the report indicates that young people aged 18 to 25 are the most vulnerable to cyberviolence and online harassment, accounting for 59% of reported cases, followed by adults, who represent 28.4% of the reports.
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