Young people today interact in a range of digital environments – from browsing the internet and playing video games, to connecting with their peers on social media platforms. As social media has become central to how young people communicate and consume information, parents, educators and policymakers increasingly worry that social media use may contribute to lower academic performance and negatively affect wellbeing. 

This paper reviews the literature on the impacts of social media use on young people, focusing primarily
on 15-year-olds, and then explores trends in how they use social media. It analyses the associations between social media use and academic outcomes and skills, focusing on creative thinking. 

Finally, the paper discusses how policy can support young people in making the most of social media’s many opportunities, while protecting them against related risks in ways that safeguard freedom of expression, privacy, innovation and fair competition.

Key findings

• Social media use is ubiquitous among young people.
• Digital leisure activities differ by sex and socio-economic background.
• Students who use social media moderately have higher test scores, while excessive use is associated with falling academic performance.
• Restrictions on digital devices in schools and delaying access to social media has gained popularity, but implementation is a challenge