Experts are divided on whether social media bans for teenagers effectively combat the youth mental health crisis. While social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that a “great rewiring of childhood” necessitates strict restrictions, Professor Candice Odgers of the University of California, Irvine, contends that the data does not support a causal link between social media use and a dip in adolescent mental health.
The Debate Between Jonathan Haidt and Candice Odgers
The tension centers on two contrasting interpretations of adolescent developmental data. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, posits that the shift toward a phone-based childhood has caused industrial-scale harm. Haidt has advocated for keeping children off social media, noting in a BBC Radio 4 interview that his 16-year-old daughter has not signed up for these platforms because she sees the negative effects on her peers.
Candice Odgers, a professor of developmental psychology who has studied adolescent mental health for 25 years, disagrees. Odgers argues that social media is one of the least influential factors in teen depression and anxiety. According to Odgers, the available data suggests correlation rather than causation, noting that girls who are already depressed often increase their social media use rather than the platforms causing the depression.
Effectiveness of Social Media Bans in Australia and the UK
Several governments are currently implementing age restrictions to protect minors. Australia recently introduced a ban on social media for children under 16. However, research published in the British Medical Journal found that more than 85% of under-16s in Australia reported they were still using social media three months after the ban took effect.
The UK government has also taken steps toward restriction, recently announcing a non-mandatory “curfew” for 16- and 17-year-olds between midnight and 6 a.m. to prevent exhaustion from night-time scrolling. Odgers warns that such bans may push teenagers into less regulated, less safe digital spaces where they are less likely to report harms to parents.
Alternative Drivers of the Youth Mental Health Crisis
While Haidt focuses on the “rewiring” caused by technology, Odgers points to a broader array of systemic causes for the decline in adolescent wellbeing. These include:
- The impact of the global economic recession.
- Rising rates of adult mental health issues.
- The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The opioid epidemic in the United States.
Odgers cites the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which concluded after a year-long expert review that the reality of social media’s impact on adolescents is “more complicated” than the prevailing narrative that it is universally harmful.
Comparing the Two Perspectives
| Feature | Jonathan Haidt’s View | Candice Odgers’ View |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause | “Great rewiring” via smartphones/social media. | Socio-economic factors, pandemic, and home environment. |
| Proposed Solution | Age-based bans and phone-free schools. | Tighter regulation of platforms and increased school funding. |
| View on Bans | Essential to reduce risk of depression. | Likely to make things worse by hiding use. |
The Role of Platform Regulation vs. User Bans
Odgers argues that the focus on banning children ignores the actual perpetrators of online harm. She suggests that the quickest way to make the internet safer would be to remove adult men, as they are the primary perpetrators of sextortion and misinformation. She advocates for prosecuting perpetrators of image-based abuse and holding tech companies accountable for the environments they build.
Instead of spending resources on phone pouches in schools, Odgers suggests funding more teachers and school counselors. She proposes that these improvements could be funded via a “big old tax on tech.”
Understanding the Nuance of Digital Use
Research from the Oxford-based BrainWaves initiative suggests that the impact of social media depends heavily on the user’s intent. Their findings indicate that while long-term use can correlate with higher anxiety, those using platforms for genuine social and recreational purposes often experience a positive impact on their mental health. Conversely, those with “harmful motivation” see a decline in wellbeing.
Peter Etchells, a professor of psychology at Bath Spa University, notes that the debate is often reduced to a binary—ban or no ban—which ignores the nuance of how different children interact with technology.
If you or a loved one are struggling, help is available. In the UK, contact Papyrus at 0800 068 4141 or Samaritans at 116 123. In the US, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In Australia, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.