In short:
A major Australian study has linked heavy social media use to increased depression and poorer wellbeing among teenagers. The findings are particularly relevant to Wyndham, one of Australia’s youngest and fastest-growing communities.
Warning About Too Much Social Media
Young people in Wyndham could be among those most affected by the growing mental health risks linked to excessive social media use, according to new Australian research.
A decade-long study led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has found teenagers who spend at least two hours a day on social media are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and poorer wellbeing than those who spend less than an hour online.
The study tracked almost 1,200 Melbourne children from the age of nine through to 19, examining the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, wellbeing and self-harm.
Researchers found the strongest impact occurred during early adolescence, particularly among girls aged 12 and 13. Teenagers with higher social media use were more likely to report mental health challenges a year later.
The findings are particularly relevant for Wyndham, one of Australia’s youngest and fastest-growing municipalities, where thousands of local families are navigating the challenges of raising children in an increasingly digital world.
Lead researcher Dr Nandi Vijayakumar said early adolescence appeared to be a critical period for intervention.
“Early adolescence stands out as a time when higher levels of social media use are linked to a greater risk of mental health problems one year on,” she said.
While researchers said the effects were relatively modest on an individual level, they warned the impact could become significant when applied across large populations of young people.
The study comes as Australia continues to roll out its world-first social media age restrictions, which took effect in December 2025.
Researchers stressed the findings do not suggest social media is inherently harmful, noting many young people use online platforms to stay connected with friends and express themselves.
However, they said the results support age-appropriate limits, stronger digital literacy education and clearer guidance for parents.
The research was published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
