This paper reviews the impacts of social media use on young people and then explores trends in how they use social media. It analyses the associations between social media use and academic outcomes and skills. It discusses how policy can support young people in making the most of social media’s many opportunities, while protecting them.

This report is based on a representative survey of Australians aged 10 to 17 conducted in February 2026. It examines the impact of Australia's teen social media ban on young people’s news engagement, just two months after the legislation took effect. As the ban affects more young people, it finds that their news engagement will...

This paper argues that the debate over whether social media's impact on mental health is correlational or causal should not delay actions to protect young people's wellbeing. Addressing the impact of social media on young people’s mental health requires a proactive, multifaceted approach. Alongside multifaceted action, the paper provides recommendations for a research agenda.

Australians start gambling in large numbers well before they are old enough to legally gamble. This paper reveals that Australian teenagers are more likely to gamble than to play any of the most popular sports in their age group. The paper shows the need for stronger regulations to reduce the harm caused by gambling.

Amid concerns about technology’s impact on youth, many teens are as digitally connected as ever. Most U.S. teens use social media and have a smartphone, and nearly half say they’re online almost constantly, according to this survey of young people aged 13 to 17.