Does Social Media Impact Adolescent Mental Health?

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Mental Health

• Registration Number: NCT06049888
• Lead Sponsor: Georgetown University

Brief 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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-08-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-09-16
• Study First Posted: 2023-09-22
• Study Start: 2024-09-29
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-13
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-17
• Primary Completion: 2027-11
• Study Completion: 2028-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 500

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

Exclusion Criteria

1. is an adolescent who has severe developmental problems (e.g., autism, severe language delay);
2. is an adolescent who is currently or has ever been diagnosed with severe or moderately severe mental illness;
3. is an adolescent who is currently or has ever experienced suicidal ideation.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25): Total Score	Baseline, three months, and six months	The average score varies between 0 and 4, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25): Anxiety Subscale	Baseline, three months, and six months	The average score varies between 0 and 4, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome.
Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25): Depression Subscale	Baseline, three months, and six months	The average score varies between 0 and 4, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Georgetown University; 🇺🇸 Washington, District of Columbia, United States