New Studies Challenge Social Media Harm Claims for Teens

Two comprehensive studies published this week have challenged the growing narrative that social media inherently harms teenagers. Researchers from the University of South Australia and University of Manchester analyzed data from over 100,000 Australian teens and 25 adolescents aged 11-14, finding that moderate social media use is actually associated with positive well-being outcomes.

Moderate Use Shows Best Outcomes

The Australian study revealed that moderate social media usage correlated with the best well-being results, while both no use and highest use were linked to poorer mental health. The research suggests that as teens reach mid-adolescence, social media becomes essential for maintaining friendships, meaning complete access restrictions could create social isolation. For boys particularly, having no access became increasingly problematic from mid-adolescence onward, exceeding risks associated with heavy use.

Challenging the Narrative Around Bans

The University of Manchester study similarly concluded there’s no definitive causal relationship between social media usage and internalizing mental health symptoms. Rather than supporting blanket social media bans—like Australia’s recent under-16 restriction—researchers recommend improved digital literacy education.

These findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach may be ineffective. While heavy social media usage warrants monitoring, the evidence demonstrates that context and individual differences matter significantly. Experts argue that instead of restricting access, society should focus on teaching young people critical thinking skills and healthy usage habits. Online connection is now integral to adolescent social interaction, and fighting that reality misses the opportunity to develop genuinely protective digital literacy strategies.