A new study reveals that excessive social media use by 11- to 12-year-olds is linked to early experimentation with alcohol, nicotine and cannabis, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
In an era increasingly dominated by digital interactions, a new study uncovers a troubling connection between social media usage among preteens and early substance experimentation.
Published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the study reveals that adolescents who spend significant time on social media, texting and video chatting are more likely to try substances like alcohol, nicotine and cannabis by age 12.
According to the study, other forms of screen time — such as video gaming, browsing the internet or watching TV and videos — did not show the same correlation with substance use.
“Our findings suggest that online social connections may be driving the relationship between screen time and early adolescent substance use,” first author Jason M. Nagata, an associate professor of pediatrics at UCSF, said in a news release.
“When preteens are constantly exposed to friends or influencers drinking or smoking on social media, they are more likely to see these behaviors as normal and may be more likely to try these substances themselves.”
Social media platforms often showcase substance use in a glamorized manner, which could have a profound impact on impressionable young minds.
The study, which utilized data from the extensive Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, involved 8,006 preteens aged 11-12. The participants provided details about their screen habits and any substance use experimentation.
The ABCD study is the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States, adding weight to these findings.
The results of this research raise significant concerns, given that early substance use is linked to adverse outcomes, such as poor academic performance, cognitive impairments and higher risks of substance use disorders later in life.
“Schools could consider media literacy programs that teach students about the influence of digital content on harmful behaviors,” co-author Kyle T. Ganson, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, said in the news release. “Parents can also help by monitoring content and setting clear guidelines for their teens’ screen use.”
With developing brains that struggle with impulse control, preteens are especially susceptible to the influences portrayed in digital content.
“This study emphasizes the importance of understanding how digital social interactions impact teen behavior,” added Nagata. “Future research can deepen our understanding of these links to help create effective interventions.”
The findings underscore an urgent need for concerted efforts from educators, parents and policymakers to protect young adolescents from harmful digital influences.