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A recent study has revealed a concerning connection between teenagers’ time spent on social media, video chatting, and texting, and their likelihood of experimenting with alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis. The research, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, found that early adolescents aged 11 to 12 who frequently engaged in these online activities were more likely to try these substances within a year.
The study analyzed data from 8,006 adolescents, highlighting the risks associated with certain types of screen time. Unlike social media, texting, and video chatting, other screen activities like video gaming, browsing the internet, or watching television and movies were not linked to the same heightened risk of substance use.
“Our findings suggest that online social connections may be driving the relationship between screen time and early adolescent substance use,” said Jason M. Nagata, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. He emphasized that exposure to friends or influencers promoting substance use online might normalize such behaviors, making teens more likely to try them.
Social Media’s Role in Influencing Teen Behavior
Social media platforms often portray substance use in a positive light, while also serving as hubs for marketing alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products. With developing brains and limited impulse control, young adolescents are particularly susceptible to this content, Nagata warned.
“Teens are bombarded with idealized portrayals of drinking or smoking on social media,” he explained. “This exposure can erode their ability to make safe choices and lead to risky experimentation.”
Preventative Measures for Parents and Schools
Experts stress that both parents and schools have a role in mitigating these risks. Kyle T. Ganson, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, recommends implementing media literacy programs in schools. These programs could teach students to critically analyze digital content and understand its potential impact on their behaviors.
Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s online activities, set clear boundaries for screen time, and engage in open conversations about the risks of substance use.
A Broader Concern for Adolescent Health
The findings add to the growing body of evidence on the dangers of substance use among adolescents. Early experimentation with substances is linked to poor academic performance, cognitive challenges, and a higher likelihood of developing long-term substance use disorders.
As digital platforms continue to shape the social lives of young people, experts urge a balanced approach to screen time, emphasizing healthy habits and critical thinking about online influences. This could help protect adolescents from risky behaviors during a critical period of their development.
