UK study to examine effects of restricting social media for children

A large-scale UK study will investigate the impact of restricting social media use on children's mental health, sleep, and friendships. Researchers at the University of Cambridge will conduct the study in 30 secondary schools in Bradford, West Yorkshire, focusing on students in years 8, 9, and 10. Approximately 4,000 students will be randomly assigned to either a control group, where social media use is recorded, or an intervention group, where access to apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook is limited to one hour daily with a 9pm-7am curfew. The study, named the IRL trial, will begin in October after an initial pilot in April, with results expected in summer 2027. The study aims to provide evidence on the effects of social media restrictions, as countries consider policies on children's access.

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