What happens when pupils cut back on social media?

Article excerpt

Bradford students participated in a trial reducing their social media consumption, and the results offer a window into what happens when teenagers step back from Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The pupils reported improvements in sleep quality, concentration, and mood, benefits that researchers increasingly document but that remain difficult for many young people to achieve. The trial, conducted with local schools, tracked how cutting screen time affected academic performance and mental health over several weeks. While some students struggled with the withdrawal and fear of missing out, others discovered they had more time for hobbies, face-to-face friendships, and homework. The findings highlight a growing tension: young people recognize social media's toll on their wellbeing, yet feel trapped by its social currency.