Children who use social media at early age fall behind in studies

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Researchers at the University of Milano-Bicocca found that children who start using social media around ages 11 or 12 perform worse on standardized exams at age 16 compared to those who begin later. This academic gap, equivalent to about six months of schooling, highlights concerns about early social media use potentially disrupting concentration and sleep, prompting policy actions like the UK's plan to restrict social media access for young children.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Milano-Bicocca has found that children who begin using social media at an earlier age tend to perform worse academically compared to peers who start later. The research analyzed data from over 5,000 Italian schoolchildren and assessed their results in standardized mathematics, Italian, and English exams at age 16.

The findings indicate that pupils who opened social media accounts around the onset of secondary school, typically at ages 11 or 12, scored lower on these exams than those who delayed creating accounts by several years. The performance gap was estimated to be equivalent to approximately six months of additional schooling.

Dr. Marco Gui, the lead author of the study, noted that while most existing research on minors and social media focuses on mental health outcomes, this study specifically examined academic performance and identified clearer signs of negative impact linked to early social media engagement. According to Gui, the issue is complex and related to the structural characteristics of social media platforms, which may affect pre-adolescents adversely.

The study, published in the journal *Nature Human Behaviour*, does not establish a direct causal relationship between social media use and lower academic achievement. However, it suggests that frequent phone checking—reported more often by those who started social media earlier—could be a significant contributing factor. This habitual behavior was observed during critical times such as at school, before bedtime, while doing homework, and upon waking, potentially disrupting concentration and sleep patterns.

The implications of early social media exposure have prompted policy responses in various countries. For example, in June, the United Kingdom announced plans to ban social media companies from offering services to children under six years old. This policy aligns with measures already adopted in Australia, with both nations aiming to strengthen age verification processes.

Supporting these concerns, data from the British media regulator Ofcom reveals that 83 percent of 11-year-olds in the UK own a smartphone, highlighting the prevalence of early digital device use among children.

Dennis Ougrin, a professor at Queen Mary University of London, commented on the study’s contribution to the field, stating that it adds to growing evidence suggesting that the age at which young people first engage with social media may be an important factor in their educational development.

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