Sharp rise in problematic teenage social media use, study says

A major international study suggests there has been a sharp rise in what it calls "problematic" social media use among young people since the pandemic.

Researchers came to the conclusion after surveying almost 280,000 children aged 11, 13 and 15 across 44 countries.

The Health Behaviour In School-aged Children (HBSC) study found, on average, 11% of respondents engaged with social media in a problematic way in 2022 - compared to 7% in 2018.

England, Scotland and Wales all recorded figures above that average.

The report's authors say the findings "raise urgent concerns about the impact of digital technology on the mental health and well-being of Europe's youth".