Social Media Use Triples Depression Symptoms for Pre-Teens: Study
- A longitudinal study led by Dr. Jason Nagata tracked nearly 12,000 children aged 9 to 13 from 2016 to 2022 across the United States to assess social media use and depressive symptoms.
- The study explored if increased social media engagement leads to the onset of depressive symptoms or merely mirrors preexisting emotional difficulties, addressing a key gap in mental health research amid rising screen time among pre-teens.
- Researchers found that increases in social media use consistently preceded a 7-9% year-over-year rise in depressive symptoms within individuals, while depressive symptoms did not predict more social media use.
- Dr. Nagata highlighted that the results indicate a need for healthcare providers to proactively advise both young adolescents and their families about managing social media, presenting a chance to help prevent mental health issues during a crucial stage of development.
- The study's directional link urges parents, clinicians, and policymakers to consider social media as a significant health exposure requiring coordinated policies to protect youth mental health.
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60 Articles
U. of California Study Finds 35% Jump in Depression Symptoms for Pre-Teens Using Social Media
A new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has found that increased social media use among pre-teens is associated with a massive 35 percent rise in symptoms of depression. The post U. of California Study Finds 35% Jump in Depression Symptoms for Pre-Teens Using Social Media appeared first on Breitbart.
Warning Labels on Social Media Could Harm Marginalized Youth
Warning labels may seem protective, but they can alienate marginalized youth who rely on social media for connection, support, and mental health. Ericka Jones explains why a better approach is needed. The post Warning labels on social media are not the answer appeared first on Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

New study finds link between pre-teen use of social media and depression
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have found a link between use of social media by pre-teens and future depression. The study, published this week in the American Medical Association’s journal JAMA, said more time spent on social media “may contribute to increased depressive symptoms over time.” Ali Rogin speaks with lead researcher Dr. Jason Nagata to learn more.
WHO Warns: Digital Platforms Pose Growing Mental Health Risks for Europe’s Youth - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency
The digital environment has become inseparable from the lives of children and adolescents across the WHO European Region - but the same spaces that offer connection and information are also contributing to serious mental health risks. In response, WHO/Europe, in collaboration with the Polish Ministry of Health and the Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab), has released a new policy brief urging immediate, coordinated action to protect…
Social media use triples depression symptoms for pre-teens: Study
A new cohort study from JAMA Network Open found that social media use in early adolescence is linked to significantly increased depressive symptoms over time—tripling the odds of mental health struggles in pre-teens.

New Texas bill would prohibit minors from using social. Learn tips for managing child's online activity
TEXAS (KTAL/KMSS) — A new bill in Texas aims to ban children from using social media. Louisiana AG wants juvenile ‘change of venue’ bill, Caddo DA and judges do not House Bill 186 would prohibit anyone under 18 from using any social media platform. According to the Texas Legislature, if passed, House Bill 186 would require not only banning those under 18 but also requiring social media platforms to verify users' age with private and public…
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