Thousands of teenagers have joined a trial to limit their social media use, as part of a major study by researchers at Born in Bradford. The 'IRL' (In Real Life) trial is described as the first major scientific study into the impact of social media on young people's mental health.
The research team has recruited 4,000 students aged 12-15 from Bradford secondary schools. Some participants will use a smartphone app to limit their social media use, while others will continue as normal. Over a six-week period, participants will complete questionnaires about their feelings, covering areas such as anxiety, sleep, body image, and school life.
The findings from this study are intended to help inform how the government implements a social media ban for under-16s, which was announced in May and is planned for introduction by spring 2027. Dr John Pickavance, the trial manager, stated that the study aims to create "rigorous scientific" evidence for future policy making.