Does Social Media Impact Adolescent Mental Health?

Last updated: June 13, 2025
Sponsor: Georgetown University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Restricted Social Media

Clinical Study ID

NCT06049888
1R01MH135467
  • Ages 10-14
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The mental health of adolescents in the United States has seen a steep decline since 2011, roughly coinciding with the increasing popularity of social media and smartphones. But does social media have a causal impact on the mental health of adolescents or are concerns about the effect of social media on kids a form of public hysteria? In this study, the investigators will conduct the first field experiment in 11-14-year-olds to examine whether, how, and for whom social media harms mental health.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. is an adolescent who is between the ages of 10 and 14;

  2. is an adolescent whose parents have decided to buy them their first smartphone;

  3. is an adolescent both of whose parents/guardians consent for them to be in thestudy;

  4. is an adolescent who assents to be in the study; 5) is an adolescent who speaks andreads English sufficiently to complete surveys and provide informed consent.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. is an adolescent who has severe developmental problems (e.g., autism, severelanguage delay);

  2. is an adolescent who is currently or has ever been diagnosed with severe ormoderately severe mental illness;

  3. is an adolescent who is currently or has ever experienced suicidal ideation.

Study Design

Total Participants: 500
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Restricted Social Media
Phase:
Study Start date:
September 29, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
February 29, 2028

Connect with a study center

  • Georgetown University

    Washington, District of Columbia 20057
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.