Examining the impact of social media on adolescent mental health
Causal Effects of Exposure to Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health
This study is testing if limiting social media use can help reduce depression and anxiety in kids aged 10 to 14 who are just getting their first smartphone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Georgetown University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06049888 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the potential causal relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes in adolescents aged 10 to 14. By conducting a field experiment, the researchers aim to determine whether restricting social media access can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in this age group. The study will involve adolescents who are getting their first smartphone, with parental consent and assent from the participants. The findings could provide valuable insights into the effects of social media on young people's mental health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 10 to 14 who are about to receive their first smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients with severe developmental problems or diagnosed mental illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved mental health outcomes for adolescents by informing guidelines on social media usage.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been discussions on the impact of social media on mental health, this specific field experiment approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where this trial is running
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Georgetown University — Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kostadin Kushlev, PhD
- Email: kk1199@georgetown.edu
- Phone: 804-585-4385
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.