Social Media and Teenagers in 2025: What the Research Actually Says

Australia’s new under-16 social media restrictions have sparked widespread discussion and, for many Australian families, a fair amount of confusion. Parents are hearing strong and often conflicting opinions about whether social media is harmful or helpful for teenagers, while young people are responding to sudden changes in how they connect with friends and communities online.

From the perspective of a child and adolescent psychologist, this confusion is understandable. When Australian parents search for guidance, they are often met with headlines that oversimplify a complex issue. The research on social media and adolescent wellbeing is not clear-cut. Some studies identify risks, others highlight potential benefits, and many show that outcomes depend heavily on how, why and by whom social media is used.

This article draws on current research in child development, adolescent mental health and digital wellbeing, alongside clinical observations commonly seen by psychologists working with teenagers and families. The aim is to help Australian parents better understand the research landscape, make sense of why the evidence can appear mixed, and feel more confident supporting their teen as Australia’s online environment continues to change.

For practical strategies on supporting teens during the new age restrictions, you can also read our companion resource: Improving sleep for adolescents.

What has changed in Australia

In late 2025, Australia introduced new regulations requiring major social media platforms to restrict accounts for children under the age of 16. Responsibility for enforcing these changes sits with the platforms themselves, which are now required to implement age-verification systems and remove underage accounts over time.

The intent of the legislation is to reduce potential risks associated with early and unsupervised social media use. From a psychological and developmental standpoint, these risks include exposure to harmful or distressing content, privacy and data concerns, disrupted sleep, cyberbullying, and patterns of compulsive or emotionally driven use.

These changes reflect growing international concern about how large commercial social media platforms interact with the developmental needs of children and younger adolescents, particularly during periods of rapid emotional, social and neurological development.

Importantly, the regulations do not restrict all online activity. Children under 16 can still access educational platforms, school-based communication tools, supervised messaging apps and age-appropriate online spaces. The focus is on large commercial social media services that rely on public feeds, algorithm-driven content and advertising models.

For many families, the shift may feel abrupt, especially where social media has played a central role in peer connection. Understanding the purpose of the legislation can help move conversations away from punishment and toward safety, development and wellbeing.

How much time do teens actually spend online?

Research consistently shows that most teenagers use social media regularly, but the amount of time spent online varies widely. Large Australian and international studies suggest that teens aged 13 to 17 typically spend between two and four hours per day on social media, with higher use often occurring in the evenings and on weekends.

From a psychologist’s perspective, time alone rarely tells the full story. Two teenagers may spend a similar number of hours online yet have very different experiences and outcomes. What matters more is how social media is used, what content is consumed, and how online activity fits into the rest of a young person’s life.

Research suggests that most teens who use social media in a moderate and balanced way do not experience significant negative effects. Concerns are more likely to arise when use becomes intense or emotionally driven, particularly when it consistently displaces sleep, offline friendships, school engagement or activities that support wellbeing.

Heavy use late at night is one pattern that has been linked with poorer mood, concentration difficulties and increased irritability. Psychologists often see this connection clinically, as disrupted sleep can have a significant impact on emotional regulation and resilience during adolescence.

A smaller group of adolescents show signs of what researchers describe as problematic social media use. This pattern involves preoccupation with online activity, difficulty reducing use, and distress when access is limited. Research indicates this applies to a minority of young people rather than the majority.

Understanding these patterns can help parents anticipate how their child might respond to changes in access. Teens who relied heavily on social media for emotional regulation or late-night connection may find the transition more challenging, while others may adjust more easily. Both responses fall within the range of normal.

Potential benefits of social media for adolescents

Although public discussion often focuses on risks, research also highlights several ways social media can support adolescents when it is used in developmentally appropriate and supported ways. Psychologists working with teens often encourage families to consider both sides of this picture.

Staying connected and maintaining friendships

For many young people, social media plays a practical role in maintaining friendships outside school hours. It allows teens to organise activities, share everyday moments and stay in touch during periods of change such as moving schools or illness. When used this way, social media tends to support existing relationships rather than replace offline connection.

Belonging, identity and community

Adolescence is a key period for identity development. Online spaces can allow teens to connect with others who share similar interests, experiences or identities. For some young people, particularly those who feel marginalised offline, these spaces can provide a sense of understanding and belonging that supports wellbeing when balanced with real-world support.

Creativity, learning and self-expression

Many teens use online platforms for creative expression and learning, including video editing, digital art, music, writing and advocacy. When guided appropriately, these activities can build skills, confidence and a sense of agency.

Risks identified in research

Alongside potential benefits, research has identified areas where social media use may pose challenges for some adolescents. From a clinical psychology perspective, these risks do not affect all teens equally and are influenced by vulnerability, patterns of use and offline support.

Mood, anxiety and emotional wellbeing

Some studies show associations between heavy or passive social media use and increased anxiety or low mood. Passive use, such as scrolling without interacting, is more strongly linked with comparison and self-criticism. Psychologists also note that distress can operate in both directions, with teens experiencing anxiety or low mood sometimes turning to social media more frequently.

Body image and appearance-related pressure

Body image concerns are among the most consistent findings in social media research. Appearance-focused content and unrealistic standards can contribute to dissatisfaction, particularly for girls and gender-diverse young people, though boys are also affected. Supportive conversations and critical thinking skills play an important protective role here.

Sleep disruption and concentration

Night-time social media use is one of the more consistent risk factors identified in research. Reduced sleep is associated with irritability, difficulty concentrating and emotional regulation challenges, which psychologists frequently see reflected in school and family functioning.

Cyberbullying and harmful content

Unsupervised use can increase exposure to cyberbullying, misinformation and age-inappropriate material. Younger adolescents may not yet have the skills needed to navigate these spaces safely, particularly during periods of emotional vulnerability.

Why the research is often misunderstood

Public discussion about social media and teenagers often moves toward extremes. From a research and psychology perspective, the reality is more nuanced.

Many studies show correlation rather than causation, individual differences play a significant role, and offline factors such as sleep, family relationships and peer support often predict wellbeing more strongly than screen time alone. How social media is used generally matters more than how much it is used.

What this means for families right now

Taken together, the research highlights several key points:

• The new restrictions are focused on safety and development, not punishment

• Teen responses will vary, and this is normal

• Offline wellbeing remains a powerful protective factor

• There is no single right approach for families

Psychologists consistently emphasise that staying curious, maintaining open communication and responding to your teen’s individual needs provides the strongest foundation during periods of change.

For practical guidance on supporting your teen during this transition, including conversation strategies and ideas for maintaining connection, you can read our companion resource: Helping Your Teen Navigate Australia’s New Social Media Age Restrictions.

Support for families

Australia’s new social media age restrictions represent a significant shift for many families. Teenagers are adapting to changes in how they connect, while parents and carers are navigating unfamiliar territory at the same time.

Focusing on wellbeing rather than perfection, keeping communication open and allowing time for adjustment can support families through this transition. If you are concerned about how your teen is coping, or if changes in mood, behaviour or sleep are persisting, speaking with a qualified child or adolescent psychologist can be a helpful next step.

The team at Sydney Children’s Practice provides evidence-informed psychological support for children, adolescents and families. Parents are welcome to get in touch to discuss concerns or explore whether additional support may be helpful during this period of change.