This challenges the widespread belief that screen time is the culprit for an increased likelihood of children having mental health problems. The study is one of the largest of its kind, including over 25,000 pupils across Greater Manchester as part of the #BeeWell programme, an initiative aiming to improve mental wellbeing in young people. “Our results do not support the idea that simply spending time on social media or gaming leads to mental health problems – the story is far more complex than that,” said lead author Dr Qiqi Cheng. The researchers acknowledged that this does not mean online experiences are without harm, and emphasised that online pressures and hurtful messages do have an important impact on mental wellbeing. Social media is increasingly under scrutiny following the introduction of world’s first social media ban for young people in Australia in December 2025, with calls for the UK government to follow suit by implementing similar measures.