Does Social Media Cause Teen Anxiety and Depression? Evidence Is Unclear

What the evidence shows

We analyzed 37 studies on social media and mental health. The link between screen time and anxiety or depression was extremely weak. This suggests simple access restrictions may be an incomplete solution.

The under-16 social media ban took effect in December 2025. Australia led global regulatory efforts. The UK and Spain are watching closely. We hope the ban improves wellbeing, but our findings temper optimism. The solution is more complex.

The Australian ban

We reviewed 37 longitudinal and experimental studies. These tracked nearly 80,000 young people over time. The studies were conducted in 15 high-income countries, including Australia. Only one was experimental. The other 36 were observational. We aggregated linear relationship data to check if more time on social media correlates with worse symptoms.

Study methodology

In the only experimental study, 182 young people were assigned to groups. One group limited social media to one hour daily. Those already severely depressed reported symptom reduction. The control group did not. This suggests restrictions help those with high baseline symptoms.

Despite the experimental result, our synthesis of the strongest available evidence indicates social media restrictions alone likely will not solve the mental health crisis. Researchers and policymakers must explore other causes and solutions. These include academic pressure, inequality, job insecurity, housing stress, climate change, and substance use. Mental health issues rarely have a single cause. They result from complex interactions of these factors. There is also growing interest in how young people’s awareness and concepts of mental health are evolving. A young person today may seek diagnosis for discomfort that would have gone undetected in prior decades. This affects self-reporting and treatment.

What the single experiment found

Australia’s under-16 ban is a key opportunity to test impact on mental health. However, we cannot assume it will stop the rising tide of mental health problems. Understanding and responding to the underlying causes of the crisis remains a critical priority.

What this means

If this article raised questions for you, or if you are worried about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

We would like to acknowledge the contribution of former honors student William Peachey to the writing of this article.