Study shows link between kids' social media usage and lower test scores
CBS America · Recent
CBS America
Recent
As more children dial into social media, a new study is shedding light on how it can negatively affect young users' mental skills, years down the line. Dr. Jason Nagata, one of the lead researchers of the University of California, San Francisco study explains.
Breakdown
- Researchers found that children aged nine to thirteen who used social media more frequently performed worse on reading, memory, and vocabulary tests after two years. 9s
- High social media users, defined as those spending three or more hours per day online, scored four to five points lower on a 100-point exam. 23s
- Even modest daily social media use was associated with lower cognitive scores. 33s
- Researchers suggest that social media use may replace time for reading, studying, or resting, and that constant notifications can affect focus. 1m 5s
- Experts recommend family media use plans and healthy screen habits, noting that parental screen use is a strong predictor of children's habits. 1m 33s