UNSW study: Delaying social media use may protect adolescent mental health

New research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) suggests that delaying the age at which children first use social media may be more effective for protecting adolescent mental health than simply restricting access. The study, conducted among Australian adolescents aged 10 to 15, found that those who began using social media at a younger age reported higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms.

Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, the study’s chief investigator, noted that the age of first use appeared to matter more for mental health than the mere existence of a social media account. The research was conducted in the period leading up to Australia’s social media ban for those under 16, set for December 2025.

Regarding the upcoming ban, the study found that only 25 percent of participants intended to stop using social media. Approximately 34 percent planned to use it without an account, while 35 percent intended to find ways to bypass restrictions to continue using their existing accounts. Researchers suggest that effective policy should combine access restrictions with education to help young people develop healthy digital habits.