JAMA study links teen social media to lower scores
A JAMA study using NIH’s ABCD cohort of over 6,000 U.S. children finds that preteens who increased social media use into early adolescence scored lower on reading and memory tests than peers with little or no use. By age 13, those averaging about one hour daily scored 1–2 points lower, and those at three or more hours scored 4–5 points lower, a 'dosage effect' that researchers say is relevant as schools consider restricting phone use.
Health
Education
Science
📌 Key Facts
- Cohort: ~6,000 ABCD Study participants enrolled at ages 9–10 and followed into early adolescence
- Usage groups: 58% low/none; 37% rose to ~1 hour/day by 13; 6% to ≥3 hours/day
- Outcomes: 1–2 point (low users) and 4–5 point (high users) lower scores on oral reading recognition and picture vocabulary tests vs. non‑users