The world’s first major study exploring the impact of reduced social media use among adolescents.
The trial will allow us to test if reductions in social media reduce levels of anxiety, and affect other outcomes such as sleep, bullying, and time spent with friends and family.
What you need to know
- The research team will work with secondary schools to recruit 4,000 students in academic years 8, 9 and 10, aged 12-15.
- In spring and summer 2026 we will develop and test the research methods, and we will launch the full trial in secondary schools in autumn 2026.
- Some students will use a smartphone app that puts limits on their social media use. Other students will carry on as normal, without any limitations.
- Students will fill in short questionnaires at the start and end to share how they’re feeling – covering things like anxiety, sleep, body image and school life.
- We are especially interested in how social media reduction affects young people with pre-existing symptoms of anxiety.
- Some participants will also be invited to take part in interviews to share their experiences during the trial.