Major Study: Teen Mental Health Not Caused by Social Media or Gaming

New research finds no evidence that heavier use of social media or video games increases symptoms of anxiety or depression in teenagers. A large-scale study challenges widespread concerns that screen time drives mental health problems in young people. It specifically found that time spent gaming or on platforms like TikTok and Instagram does not cause conditions like depression or anxiety. The findings come as UK ministers debate whether to ban social media for under-16s. Australia has already proposed such a ban. This study directly questions the idea that long periods online are responsible for rising teen mental health issues. The research adds a significant new perspective to the global debate over teenagers and digital technology.