UK study to look into effects of restricting social media for children

UK study to look into effects of restricting social media for children
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A large-scale study examining the effects of restricting social media use among children in the UK has been announced, as governments worldwide debate tighter regulations, The Guardian reported. Led by researchers from the University of Cambridge, the project aims to provide the first population-level experimental evidence on how limiting social media affects healthy adolescents’ wellbeing.

The study will involve around 4,000 students aged 12 to 15 across 30 secondary schools in Bradford. Participants will complete surveys on mental health, sleep and friendships and install a research app on their devices. Some year groups will have their social media use monitored, while others will face restrictions limiting access to major platforms to one hour per day, with a nighttime curfew. Messaging apps used for family communication will remain unrestricted.

After six weeks, students will be reassessed. The trial begins later this year, with results expected in 2027. Researchers hope the findings will inform UK and international policy debates, as lawmakers consider bans on under-16s using social media.