Landmark new research by JAMA of nearly 12,000 children provides the clearest evidence yet that increased social media use directly contributes to rising depressive symptoms in early adolescents—and the effects begin younger than most parents realize.
If you’re a parent wondering whether your child’s screen time is affecting their mental health, new research provides a sobering answer. A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open in May 2025 has found something that previous research couldn’t definitively prove: increased social media use in early adolescence directly leads to greater depressive symptoms one year later—and not the other way around.
This distinction matters enormously. For years, researchers debated whether depressed teens simply turn to social media for comfort, or whether social media itself causes depression. This new study, tracking children from ages 9 to 13, provides the strongest evidence yet that more time on social media contributes to worsening mental health—not merely reflects it.
What This Landmark New Research Study Reveals
The research, led by Dr. Jason M. Nagata at the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed data from 11,876 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study—the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Key Findings Every Parent Should Know
The direction of causation is clear: When children increased their social media use beyond their typical patterns, they showed significantly higher depressive symptoms the following year. Critically, elevated depressive symptoms did not predict increased social media use later—ruling out the theory that sad kids simply scroll more.
It starts younger than parents think: The study tracked children starting at ages 9-10, and by ages 11-12, over two-thirds had social media accounts. On average, these underage users had three or more different social media accounts—despite 13 being the required minimum age for most platforms.
Individual changes matter most: The study found that when a child’s own social media use increased compared to their previous patterns, depressive symptoms worsened. This within-person analysis is more powerful than simply comparing heavy users to light users.
Understanding the Youth Mental Health Crisis
This study arrives at a critical moment. The number of young people struggling with mental health conditions has surged 28% since 2018, with an even more alarming 48% increase among those diagnosed with multiple mental health issues. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health specifically called for more longitudinal research like this study to understand the relationship between social media and adolescent well-being.
According to the Surgeon General’s advisory, up to 95% of youth ages 13-17 report using social media platforms, with more than a third using them “almost constantly.” Perhaps more concerning, nearly 40% of children ages 8-12 are already on social media—well below the minimum age requirements.
As Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, stated in a 2023 NPR interview: “Teens who use social media for more than three hours a day face double the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms, which is particularly concerning given that the average amount of time that kids use social media is 3½ hours a day.”
New Research Study: The growing demand for online psychiatry services reflects a nationwide shift toward accessible, evidence-based care for youth mental health concerns. Families increasingly rely on virtual mental health care to address depression and anxiety early, especially as research highlights the risks associated with excessive social media use. With advancements in telehealth psychiatric treatment, families can now connect with licensed online psychiatrists East Coast residents trust, making adolescent depression treatment online both effective and convenient.
Why Early Adolescence Is Especially Vulnerable
The brain undergoes significant development during early adolescence, making it particularly susceptible to environmental influences. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that social media carries a “profound risk of harm” to youth, potentially affecting their mental health at this vulnerable developmental stage.
The mechanisms through which social media may harm adolescent mental health include:
Social comparison: Constant exposure to curated images and highlight reels from peers creates unrealistic standards and feelings of inadequacy.
Body image concerns: Nearly half of adolescents report that social media makes them feel worse about their bodies.
Sleep disruption: Social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, often at the expense of healthy sleep habits crucial for developing brains.
Cyberbullying exposure: About 64% of adolescents report being exposed to hate-based content, and nearly 60% of adolescent girls have been contacted by strangers in uncomfortable ways.
Displacement of protective activities: Time spent on social media often replaces face-to-face interaction, physical activity, and other activities that support mental health.
Practical Steps for Parents and Families
The researchers emphasize that these findings should prompt clinicians to provide anticipatory guidance to families about social media’s mental health effects. But parents don’t need to wait for their next pediatric visit to take action.
Start the Conversation Early
Dr. Nagata recommends “open, nonjudgmental conversations and family-based media plans” to support healthier digital habits. Rather than lecturing about dangers, ask your child about their online experiences:
- What apps do you use most? What do you like about them?
- Has anything online ever made you feel uncomfortable or upset?
- How do you feel after spending time on [specific app]?
Create Meaningful Boundaries
The research suggests that changes in usage patterns—particularly increases—are associated with worsening mental health. Consider establishing:
- Device-free zones: Bedrooms and dinner tables are good starting points.
- Screen-free times: The hour before bed is particularly important for sleep quality.
- Age-appropriate access: The 13+ age requirements exist for good reasons—and this study suggests even that may not be protective enough.
- Family media agreements: Written plans that the whole family commits to can be more effective than unilateral restrictions.
Watch for Warning Signs
Depression in adolescents may look different than in adults. Be alert to changes in your child’s:
- Sleep patterns (sleeping much more or less than usual)
- Appetite or eating habits
- Interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Social connections with friends and family
- Academic performance
- Mood—including increased irritability, which is often more prominent than sadness in teens
Access to online psychiatry services has become essential for families navigating the modern mental health landscape. As social media exposure increases among younger children, virtual mental health care provides timely support without the barriers of travel or long wait times. Evidence consistently supports telehealth psychiatric treatment as a reliable option, particularly when guided by licensed online psychiatrists East Coast families can depend on for continuity and quality of care.
When to Seek Professional Support
If you notice persistent changes in your child’s mood or behavior, it may be time to consult with a mental health professional. Early intervention for depression is associated with better outcomes, and today’s telepsychiatry options make it easier than ever to access expert care.
Consider reaching out if your child:
- Expresses feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Withdraws from friends, family, or activities
- Shows declining academic performance
- Exhibits significant changes in sleep or appetite
- Talks about death or self-harm
- Seems unable to function normally in daily life
Research consistently shows that telehealth services for depression are just as effective as in-person care. For families juggling busy schedules, virtual appointments eliminate transportation barriers and can often be scheduled more quickly than traditional office visits.
There’s Reason for Hope
While the findings are concerning, the researchers also note an encouraging implication: “Prior research on adolescents, especially those with depressive symptoms, has shown that they can shift from maladaptive to more positive patterns of social media use when they become aware of its impact on their mood.”
In other words, awareness and intentionality matter. When young people understand how social media affects them, they can make better choices about how—and how much—they engage with it.
This empowerment-based approach aligns with effective mental health treatment. Rather than simply removing devices (which often backfires with teens), helping young people develop critical thinking about their media use and emotional self-awareness can build lasting skills for digital wellness.
Resources and Next Steps
At East Coast Telepsychiatry, our board-certified providers work with children, adolescents, and families navigating these exact challenges. Our team includes specialists in cognitive-behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches that help young people develop healthier relationships with technology while addressing underlying mental health concerns.
If you’re concerned about your child’s social media use or mental health, we’re here to help. Our web-based psychiatry services offer convenient, HIPAA-compliant care from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Helpful Resources
- U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
- American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
- Understanding Depression: Signs and Solutions (East Coast Telepsychiatry)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate support if you or someone you know is in crisis.
Ready to take the first step? East Coast Telepsychiatry offers compassionate, expert mental health care for individuals and families across South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Schedule your consultation today and start your journey toward better mental health.
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