MELBOURNE: A decade-long Australian study has found that teenagers who spend two or more hours a day on social media face a higher risk of depression and reduced wellbeing, particularly during early adolescence.
The research, led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), found that higher social media use among young people aged 12 to 18 was associated with “small but noticeable increases in mental health problems” one year later.
The findings were published in the Medical Journal of Australia and are based on annual data collected from nearly 1,200 participants in Melbourne between the ages of nine and 19.
Researchers examined social media use alongside indicators such as depression, anxiety, wellbeing and self-harm. The data were gathered before Australia introduced restrictions in 2025 limiting social media access for children under the age of 16.
According to the study, growing concerns over cyberbullying, harmful online content and excessive screen time have intensified debate about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health.
The effects were most significant among girls aged 12 to 13, although increased mental health risks were observed across both genders. Researchers noted that while the rise in individual risk was relatively modest, the broader impact on the adolescent population could be substantial.
Lead author Nandi Vijayakumar said the findings identify early adolescence as a critical period for intervention and support.
Co-author Susan Sawyer said the study reinforces the need for age-appropriate limits on social media use, improved digital literacy education and clearer guidance for parents to help reduce mental health risks.
The findings build on previous MCRI research showing that nearly three-quarters of Australian adolescents experience clinically significant symptoms of depression or anxiety, highlighting the need for preventive measures beyond traditional clinical care.
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