Exploring the impact of social media on violence and isolation in at-risk teens

Social Media, Violence, and Social Isolation Among At-Risk Adolescents: Exploring Ground Truth

NIH-funded research Brown University · NIH-10909142

This study is looking at how social media affects bullying and mental health in teens aged 13-17, especially those who have been bullied a lot, to help find better ways to support them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909142 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how social media influences peer victimization and mental distress among adolescents aged 13-17, particularly those who have experienced high rates of victimization. By enrolling 240 adolescents from emergency departments, the study will collect real-time data on their online social messaging and in-person interactions. This approach aims to provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between social media use and mental health, ultimately guiding better interventions for affected youth. The research seeks to address the urgent need for effective strategies to support at-risk adolescents in navigating their social environments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 13-17 who present to the emergency department with any medical or injury complaint and have experienced peer victimization.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not have experiences of peer victimization may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and support systems for adolescents facing mental distress and peer victimization.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding the dynamics of social media and mental health among youth, but this study employs a novel real-time data collection approach.

Where this research is happening

Providence, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.