Social media and video games linked to poorer health and development in kids and teens

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-03-10 02:00

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Social media and video games are linked with poorer developmental outcomes in kids and teens, according to an Australian review of evidence, which found digital media use has modest but consistent links with poorer health and mental health outcomes. The study pooled data from 153 previous studies and found that social media use was linked with a range of worse outcomes, including depression, problematic internet use, substance use, and lower academic achievement. Video gaming was linked with higher aggression and problems with children's behaviour. Other digital media use, including digital device use and the use of messaging apps, was also linked with depression. The researchers say their findings highlight the need for targeted, multifaceted policies and interventions to address potential harms from digital media exposure.

News release

From: JAMA

Digital Media Use and Child Health and Development

About The Study: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, digital media use was consistently associated with risks to child and adolescent health and development, particularly for social media. These findings highlight the need for targeted, multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.

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Research JAMA, Web page Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Journal/
conference: JAMA Pediatrics

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: James Cook University, Deakin University, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), The University of Melbourne, The University of New South Wales

Funder: Dr Teague reported grants from the Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant (GNT2025839) during the conduct of the study. Prof Hutchinson reported grants from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant and Medical Research Future Fund Grant (APP1197488 and MRF2044506). No other disclosures were reported.

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