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Study Links Over 3 Hours of Social Media to Child Depression

3/23/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A study from Imperial College London finds that children using social media over three hours daily are likelier to experience depression and anxiety.
The data cover 2,350 children across 31 London schools and link excessive use to sleep disruption, especially among girls.
Experts say the link is complex and correlational, not proof of causation.
Researchers note calls to ban under-16s, but more evidence is needed; findings appear in BMC Medicine.

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Story summary

A study from Imperial College London finds that children using social media over three hours daily are likelier to experience depression and anxiety.
The data cover 2,350 children across 31 London schools and link excessive use to sleep disruption, especially among girls.
Experts say the link is complex and correlational, not proof of causation.
Researchers note calls to ban under-16s, but more evidence is needed; findings appear in BMC Medicine.