UK study tests impact of limiting teen social media use | Social media

A groundbreaking study is underway to investigate the impact of restricting social media access for children in the UK, as global politicians debate taking action on this issue.

Australia led the way in December, becoming the first country to ban social media for those under 16. This ban has put pressure on governments worldwide, including the UK, to consider similar measures.

Experts agree that certain aspects of social media can be harmful to children. Though, there hasn’t been a large-scale study examining the effects of limiting social media use in healthy children as a whole.

“This study is a world first in its attempt to answer that question,” says Prof Amy Orben of the University of Cambridge, who is co-leading the research.

Orben and her team will study approximately 4,000 students in years 8, 9, and 10 across 30 secondary schools in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

All participants will initially complete a questionnaire covering their mental health, sleep patterns, and friendships. Thay will also be asked to download a research app on their primary device.

Each year group will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions: unrestricted social media access, limited access (one hour a day), or complete restriction. The study will track changes in participants’ well-being over two years.

The research app will passively monitor social media use, avoiding direct intervention or control. This approach aims to provide a realistic picture of how limiting access affects children’s lives.

researchers will analyze data to determine if restricting social media improves mental health, sleep, and social connections. They will also investigate whether the effects differ based on a child’s initial well-being and social media habits.

The study is funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers and parents grappling with the challenges of social media and child progress.