Is Social Media Making Preteens Depressed? New Study Says Yes

In a digital age where preteens are logging more screen time than ever, a groundbreaking study from UC San Francisco reveals a concerning connection: more social media use appears to cause depression in young adolescents not the other way around.

The research tracked nearly 12,000 children from age 9 to 13 over three years. On average, their daily time on social platforms ballooned from just 7 minutes to over an hour. During that same period, depressive symptoms increased by 35%.

A One Way Relationship

What makes this study stand out is its use of within-person longitudinal data, a method that follows the same individuals over time. The findings showed a clear direction of risk: kids who increased their social media usage experienced more depressive symptoms later. However, children who showed early signs of depression were not more likely to use social media more in the future.

In short, social media seems to be a contributing factor, not just a reflection of growing mental health struggles in preteens.

How Social Media and Depression in Preteens Are Connected

There are several theories on why screen time may be linked to declining mental health in youth. Some of the most concerning factors include:

• Cyberbullying: Kids who were cyberbullied were over 2.5 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts the following year.

• Sleep Disruption: Nighttime scrolling can lead to poor sleep, which is closely tied to mental health issues.

• Social Comparison: Constant exposure to curated, idealized images of others can impact self esteem and mood.

The pressure to fit in online while dealing with bullying, exclusion, or addictive use of platforms may all feed into a dangerous cycle of isolation and emotional distress.

Building Healthier Digital Habits

This research underscores the importance of creating structured and mindful media use. Experts recommend strategies such as:

• Family-wide screen-free times (like meals or bedtime)

• Open conversations about media use

• Modeling healthy habits by adults

The American Academy of Pediatrics even offers a Family Media Plan, a tool to help caregivers guide children toward safer digital experiences.

A Wake-Up Call for Mental Health Care

This study adds to the growing field of Emerging Therapy, where mental health professionals explore not only treatments, but also prevention strategies for digital-age challenges. For researchers, clinicians, and parents alike, understanding the causal impact of social media is a crucial step toward effective intervention.

As mental health concerns among young people continue to rise, so too does the need for proactive solutions—whether that involves lifestyle psychiatry, digital hygiene education, or therapeutic techniques like neurofeedback and biofeedback.

Discover more at https://interventionalpsychiatry.org/

Citations

1. Nagata JM, Otmar CD, Shim J, et al. "Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms During Early Adolescence." JAMA Network Open. 2025;8(5):e2511704. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.11704. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2834349contemporarypediatrics.com

2. Nagata JM, Shim J, Balasubramanian P, et al. "Cyberbullying, Mental Health, and Substance Use Experimentation Among Early Adolescents: A Prospective Cohort Study." The Lancet Regional Health – Americas. 2025;21:101002. doi:10.1016/j.lana.2025.101002. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(25)00012-2/fulltextresearchgate.net+1thelancet.com+1