Suffolk mental health specialist weighs in on teenage social media use
It's as a new study has been published saying soical media's effects on mental health are much more complex
New research from Greater Manchester, published in the Journal of Public Health, suggests that the impact of social media and gaming on teenagers’ mental health is more complex than previously reported.
The research
The study, part of the #BeeWell programme, followed more than 25,000 pupils aged 11 to 14 over three school years, tracking their self-reported social media habits, gaming frequency, and emotional well-being.
Contrary to widespread headlines suggesting platforms like TikTok and Instagram drive anxiety and depression, the researchers found no evidence that heavier social media use or frequent gaming caused increases in symptoms of anxiety or depression over the following year, for boys or girls.
Lead author Dr Qiqi Cheng said:
“We know families are worried, but our results do not support the idea that simply spending time on social media or gaming leads to mental health problems, the story is far more complex than that.”
Thoughts of local professionals
Commenting on the findings, Fiona Hannah, clinical director at Teenage Mental Health in Ipswich, said the study aligns with her experience working with children and adolescents:
“It kind of makes sense as well. There have been reports claiming social media is toxic for children’s brains, but they haven’t looked at the bigger picture. Social media is out there and we’re not going to get rid of it.”
Hannah emphasised the importance of differentiating between healthy and unhealthy social media use:
“If a young person spends all day looking at harmful content, that’s not healthy. But staying in touch with friends and family, keeping those social networks going, is important for our development as human beings.”
She added that social media is neither wholly good nor bad:
“Social media has a good side and a bad side. Like sweets, it can be enjoyable, but it’s not something to overindulge in. The key is balance.”
Hannah also highlighted the importance of engaging with the real world as part of healthy development:
“It’s about getting out there, being present in the world, connecting with people, and finding experiences that are comfortable and meaningful for you. Social media is just one part of life . teenagers also need to be living in the real world.”
The findings suggest that rather than focusing solely on limiting screen time, parents, schools, and policymakers should consider how teenagers are using social media and promote healthy online habits alongside traditional mental health support.