Social media use tied to health and development risks in youth

A large meta-analysis of 153 longitudinal studies found that higher social media use was consistently associated with depression, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, self-injurious thoughts, problematic internet use, substance use, and lower academic achievement in children and adolescents. Video gaming showed associations with aggression and externalizing behaviors but also modest gains in attention/executive function. Associations with depression were strongest in early adolescence and in self- or parent-reported measures.

Clinical takeaway: Consider brief screening for mood, behavior, and school concerns in youth with high or escalating digital media use, with special attention to early adolescents who may be more vulnerable to adverse effects.

Source:

Teague S, et al. (2026, March 9). JAMA Pediatr. Digital Media Use and Child Health and Development: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41801211/