“There are very strong opinions on social media and digital access, but I have the impression that it is a very nuanced story,” explains Baird.
“There is also a really important role for parents, teachers and young people themselves,” she adds. “With AI, it will require truly intelligent people and a very rapid change in policy to guarantee that young people are not injured throughout this process.”
Obesity The prices soar
Obesity rates are increasing in all regions of the world and since 1990 have increased up to eight times in parts of Africa and Asia. The report provides that around 464 million adolescents worldwide will be overweight or obese in 2030 (143 million more than in 2015), a trend that will increase the risk of obesity conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The growing obesity of adolescents is linked to increased availability of unhealthy food, which is often more affordable and accessible than nutritious alternatives. Sugar drinks, such as sodas or energy drinks, are a key engine of the problem: the consumption of adolescents of these drinks increased from 24 to 33% in each region, except high -income countries, Latin America and the Caribbean. More than half of adolescents on earth now consume sugary drinks at least once a day.
In addition, the report revealed that adolescents have adopted more sedentary lifestyles with a lot of screen time or because air pollution, extreme weather conditions and other factors limit their ability to participate in sports or outdoor exercise.