"Just Two Hours of SNS a Day": Increased Depression Risk Among Teenagers

MCRI Tracks 1,200 Teenagers Over 10 Years
"Early Intervention in Adolescence Needed"

A recent study has found that adolescents who use social networking services (SNS) for more than two hours a day are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction. The impact was particularly pronounced in early adolescence, especially among girls aged 12 to 13.

An image related to social networking services (SNS) to help understand the article. Pexels

According to Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) in Australia on June 12, Dr. Nandii Vijayakumar's research team recently published these findings in the Medical Journal of Australia.

The research team analyzed data from the Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study (CATS), which tracked about 1,200 children in the Melbourne area over a 10-year period from age 9 to 19. During this period, the researchers annually assessed SNS usage time and mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, happiness, and self-harm.

More Than Two Hours of SNS Use Per Day Increases Risk of Depressive Symptoms

The analysis found that the more time adolescents aged 12 to 18 spent on SNS, the slightly higher their risk of mental health problems one year later. In particular, adolescents who used SNS for more than two hours a day were more likely to show higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower happiness in the following year compared to those who used SNS for less than one hour per day.

The effect was especially notable in early adolescence. The research team explained that the correlation between SNS usage and deterioration in mental health was strongest among girls aged 12 to 13.

Dr. Vijayakumar stated, "Early adolescence appears to be a period when high levels of SNS use are linked to an increased risk of mental health problems one year later. While the increase in risk observed in the study was not large, even a small effect can be significant from a public health perspective, given that many adolescents are exposed to SNS."

"This Does Not Mean All SNS Use Is Harmful"

However, the researchers clarified that this does not mean SNS is harmful to all adolescents. They also noted that SNS can provide positive experiences, such as a sense of belonging with peers and self-expression.

Susan Sawyer, a professor at MCRI, said, "While the impact of SNS on adolescent mental health has sparked social and policy debates worldwide, there has been limited evidence showing the effects at the population level. This study highlights the need for age-appropriate usage restrictions and education, digital literacy programs, and clear guidelines for parents."

Australia has implemented a policy restricting adolescent SNS use since December 10 of last year. Researchers from MCRI and Deakin University are currently tracking how these measures are affecting adolescents' mobile phone usage time, screen exposure, and mental health.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.