Recent research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry establishes a connection between early and accelerated use of social networks among adolescents and the likelihood of experimenting with substances such as alcohol, tobacco and cannabis.

Although most digital platforms and social networks establish 13 years as the minimum age to consume them, we know, according to statistics, that adolescents between 9 and 12 years old use them.

The aforementioned study reveals patterns of use in young people between 9 and 16 years old, suggesting that those who begin using social networks at an earlier age have a significantly higher risk of experimenting with drugs.

Study segmentation

It is clear that, using data collected from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study and analyzed for four years, four groups of adolescents were established: those with no or very low use; those of moderate and gradual use; those for intermediate and quick start use; and those for early and rapid onset use.

The early-onset group included children who started using social media at age 9, and the middle-onset group included those who started using their phones around age 11, said Dr. Jason M. Nagata, the study's senior author and an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.

Impact of content on social networks

Experts note that more than 50% of teens are exposed to alcohol advertising online, and much of the substance-related content is positively representative. This content can distort teens' perceptions of substance use, creating favorable beliefs that can lead to experimentation.

“We know that content matters, whether positive or negative, when we think about social media and whether or not it influences children's behavior, their mental health or any other outcomes,” said Dr. Courtney Blackwell, an associate professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study and whose remarks were reported by CNN.

The study indicates that social networks are saturated with advertisements for substance-related products. Direct interactions, such as “Buy Now” buttons, facilitate access to these substances, further increasing the risk of experimentation among adolescents.

Strategies for effective communication

Faced with these risks, the implementation of family media plans and open communication about the use of social networks is recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests setting limits and guiding children toward safe social media practices, rather than harsh restrictions.

Active communication and family involvement are crucial to helping adolescents navigate their social media experience. The need for parents to also practice responsible behaviors in the use of digital devices is emphasized.

Experts agree that a proactive approach that involves the entire family is essential to reduce the risk of substance use in adolescents. Establishing an open dialogue and encouraging healthy alternatives to social media use is key to mitigating the negative effects associated with early use of these platforms.

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