A 2022 study of about 17,400 young people in the UK found social media use predicted lower life satisfaction a year later at specific ages: 11–13 for girls, 14–15 for boys, and 19 for both.

Used as evidence for

• Research points to early adolescence as the most sensitive age, which is exactly the group a limit of 16 covers.

  Supports

• A large UK study found clear effects at particular ages even where the average effect was small.

  Supports