Overview

• The analysis drew on data from more than 6,500 U.S. children in the NIH-supported ABCD study, tracking performance over two years from roughly ages 9 to 13.
• Children using social media about one hour per day scored about 1–2 points lower on memory and reading tests, with declines reaching roughly 4–5 points for three or more hours daily.
• Experts cite plausible pathways such as time displaced from reading or homework, in-class distraction, and reduced sleep, noting the patterns appear specific to social media use.
• UNICEF and UNESCO warned this week about mental and physical health risks from excessive social media exposure in youth, urging guidance from adults, schools and institutions.
• Policy responses continue to expand, with U.S. schools restricting phone use and platforms adding age protections and parental controls, while a Spanish survey reports widespread underage accounts in violation of platform rules.