A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales has found that the age at which children begin using social media may be more closely linked to anxiety and depression in their teenage years than whether they simply have a social media account. The research involved 365 Australian children aged 10 to 15 and one of their parents, revealing that those who started social media use at a younger age reported higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Lead author Anna Bilston emphasized the significance of the findings in the context of mental health protection. She noted that efforts to safeguard young people's well-being should consider not only whether children have access to social media but also the timing of their initial exposure. The study suggests that delaying the age at which children first engage with social media platforms could be important for reducing mental health risks.

Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, the study’s chief investigator, highlighted the unexpected nature of the results, pointing out that the initiation age appeared more critical for mental health outcomes than the mere possession of a social media account. Schweizer suggested that policies aimed at postponing children's first social media experience might be an effective measure to promote better mental health.

The study comes ahead of Australia’s recent implementation of a ban on social media use for individuals under 16 years old. This policy was introduced amid growing concerns over increasing rates of anxiety and depression among young people, as well as the expanding role of social media in their daily lives. The new research supports the rationale behind such regulatory measures but also indicates that focusing solely on access restrictions may not be sufficient.

Bilston noted that governments may need to adopt broader strategies beyond limiting access to social media in order to effectively protect mental health among youth. The findings open a discussion about the potential benefits of guiding when children first encounter social media, alongside managing how they interact with these platforms as they grow older.

Overall, the study contributes to ongoing debates on the mental health impacts of social media use in young populations, suggesting that the timing of initial use warrants greater attention from policymakers, parents, and educators working to support adolescent well-being.