Social media is rotting kids’ brains — memory, reading, and vocabulary pay the price.
New research suggests social media isn't just about memes and trends; it may be eroding core cognitive skills in children. UC San Francisco researchers analyzed data from more than 6,000 children aged 9 to 11 in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study and found that more time on social apps correlated with lower scores in reading, vocabulary, and memory. The longer the kids scrolled, the bigger the drop in performance. The study tracked three groups: little or no social media use, about an hour per day by age 13, and three or more hours per day by age 13. On average, an hour of use was linked to a one to two‑point drop on reading and memory tests, while three hours or more could mean five points lower on some tests.
In This Article:
Three trajectories of social media use among 6,000 kids.
The children were divided into three groups based on how their social media habits evolved over time: (1) little or no use; (2) low use that rose to about an hour a day by age 13; and (3) three or more hours a day by age 13. Each group took cognitive tests at the start of the ABCD study and again in early adolescence. The researchers found that both the low‑use and high‑use groups performed worse on reading and memory tests than those who didn’t scroll, with the high‑use group showing larger declines—up to five points.
Why social media hits differently than other screens.
The issue isn’t only screen time; it’s the type of engagement. General screen time, such as watching TV, is more passive and can allow multitasking. Social media is highly active: it asks for sustained attention as kids interact with posts, comments, and messages. Dr. Sanjeev Kothare, a pediatric neurologist not involved in the study, explains, "It’s much more active," and adds that it "doesn’t have enough cognitive or memory remaining to focus on scholastic performance." He notes this intensity can drain cognitive resources needed for learning.
Policy warnings and school responses.
Beyond individual behavior, health leaders have sounded alarms. In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory warning that heavy social media use can harm the mental health of children and teens. The report highlights potential impacts on brain areas tied to emotion and impulse control, and notes an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. In schools, many districts have begun limiting tech use. This year New York rolled out a statewide ‘bell-to-bell’ smartphone ban for all K–12 public and charter schools in the city. Some educators call the policy the best thing that’s happened for schools and students.
What parents can do now.
Experts urge families to act at home. Dr. Kothare suggests a ‘golden carrot’ approach: offer positive reinforcement for good behavior and for reducing social media use. He suggests weekend rewards—like a movie night, extra sports, or a favorite meal—to encourage kids to spend less time online and more on academics. The idea is to pair limits with incentives to shift behavior. The article ends with a prompt for readers to join the conversation: ‘What do you think?’
