Social media use and children's wellbeing
Source: Social Science Research Network - SSRN
Based on previous research showing that childhood events and behaviours have consequences for adult life (e.g. Heckman (2008), Almond and Currie (2011)).
Based on this premise, researchers E. McDool, J. Roberts, Ph. Powell and K. Taylor investigated the impact of childhood events and behaviours on adult life. Taylor, examined the psychosocial impact of social networks on children's development.
The study conducted by the researchers involved a sample of children between the ages of 10 and 15, between 2010 and 2014. What was analysed was the effect of time spent chatting on social networks.
The results reflect how these children feel about different aspects of their lives, in particular: school work, appearance, family, friends, school attended and life as a whole.
It was found that after long periods of using social networks, children experienced a decline in satisfaction with aspects of life (school work, appearance, family, friends, school) other than friendships.
The study also shows a difference between girls and boys.