In recent research published in the Journal of Substance Use, scientists led by Jason Nagata have shed light on the impact of social media on the early initiation of alcohol use among young adolescents. The study, focusing on children aged 9 to 10, reveals a significant correlation between time spent on social media and the likelihood of beginning to sip alcohol.
The research, which analyzed data from the expansive Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, encompassing over 7,500 participants across the United States from 2016 to 2018, indicates a concerning link. Findings show that early adolescents who spend more time on social media are 1.31 times more likely to start sipping alcohol by the time they are in their third year of study. This risk factor is compounded by problematic social media use, characterized by behaviours akin to addiction, such as mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse, which partially mediates this association.
What makes this study stand out is its focus on problematic social media use as a mediator in the relationship between social media time and alcohol sipping. By analyzing changes over a three-year period, the research provides evidence that problematic social media use accounts for a 25% reduction in risk, highlighting its significant role in this process.
The implications of these findings are critical for parents, educators, and policymakers. They suggest that interventions aimed at reducing time spent on social media, alongside educating young adolescents about media literacy and the potential dangers of problematic social media use, could be beneficial. Strategies such as media literacy education and family media use plans are recommended to mitigate the exposure of young people to alcohol content online and to help them recognize the signs of problematic social media use.
This study offers a crucial insight into how early exposure to social media can influence behaviours associated with alcohol use, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to address this issue at a young age.
Read further about the study from Substance Use & Misuse (February 2024)
Alcohol Awareness 