Story perspectives

Study Links Social Media Use to Poorer Reading Skills

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A University of Georgia study of over 10,000 adolescents finds regular social media use is linked to poorer reading skills and reduced attentional control, with some evidence of faster information processing.
In the United Kingdom, a government-led trial will test social media restrictions on 300 teenagers to assess impact on well-being and academic performance.
This initiative follows discussions about banning social media for under-16s, similar to Australia’s recent legislation.

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Story summary

A University of Georgia study of over 10,000 adolescents finds regular social media use is linked to poorer reading skills and reduced attentional control, with some evidence of faster information processing.
In the United Kingdom, a government-led trial will test social media restrictions on 300 teenagers to assess impact on well-being and academic performance.
This initiative follows discussions about banning social media for under-16s, similar to Australia’s recent legislation.