Social Media Use at Younger Ages Linked to Worse Teenage Mental Health Outcomes
A new study from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) indicates that the age at which children first begin using social media significantly impacts their mental health as teenagers. Researchers found that starting social media at a younger age is associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescence. The study, which surveyed 365 Australian children aged 10 to 15 and one of their parents, revealed that the average age for first social media use was 11 years old. Interestingly, the study suggests that the age of initial exposure matters more for mental health than simply possessing a social media account. These findings are the first published results from a larger Australian study tracking the mood of young people before and after a social media ban for children under 16, which was implemented last December. The research highlights a potential policy implication: delaying children's first exposure to social media, especially when combined with education on d...
