In recent years, the rapid integration of social media into children’s and young people's daily lives has sparked widespread interest in as well as concern about its implications for mental health and development. Headlines and public discourse often portray social and digital media as a primary driver of rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in youth. However, scientific evidence on this matter is nuanced, revealing mixed findings with studies showing near negligible or context-dependent effects. At the same time, critics argue for strong causal links between increased screen time and a host of developmental harms, calling for policy reforms to mitigate perceived risks. This lively public and scientific discussion underscores the need to scrutinize the complex interplay between digital engagement, social environments, and wellbeing in developmental populations.

The aim of this Research Topic is to critically examine and advance our understanding of how social media use shapes the social, emotional, and psychological development of children and adolescents (especially from ages 8 to 18 years). Social media is defined broadly in this call, but can include any digital media use with social features, such as social networking apps, social gaming, or other types of apps or devices that have messaging or communication features.

The central problem underscored in this Research Topic is the persistent disconnect between public perception, policy responses, and the best available scientific evidence. While some researchers conclude that social media's effect sizes are minimal and advocate for evidence-based, context-sensitive approaches, others attribute a marked rise in mental health concerns to ubiquitous smartphone and social media exposure—calling for age restrictions and sweeping reforms.

The current Research Topic seeks to bring these divergent perspectives into constructive dialogue, emphasizing rigorous methodologies, longitudinal studies, and interdisciplinary approaches. By exploring both the potential risks (e.g., social deprivation, sleep disruption, online victimization or exposure to other harmful content) and possible benefits (e.g., access to social support, mental health resources, opportunities for identity exploration and expression), we aim to clarify under what conditions social media use may help or harm young people, and how individual, familial, or societal factors modulate these effects.
Ultimately, this Research Topic aspires to inform balanced policy, parental guidance, and intervention strategies grounded in robust evidence rather than moral panic or commercial interests.

This Research Topic welcomes theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions addressing any aspect of social media use and psychological development in children and adolescents. We encourage submissions that:

- Investigate mechanisms and moderators underlying social media's impact on youth wellbeing.
- Examine both negative aspects or outcomes (e.g., problematic or risky social media use, cyberbullying, heightened anxiety/depression) and/or positive pathways (e.g., online support-seeking, skill-building, identity exploration and affirmation, especially among marginalized youth).
- Analyze developmental, cultural, or socioeconomic factors that influence vulnerability or resilience.
- Critically review or meta-analyze existing literature, synthesizing findings across disciplines.
- Debate and empirically test claims about causality, policy interventions (e.g., phone-free schools, age restrictions), and communication gaps between science, media, and the public.

We especially welcome interdisciplinary research—including original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, policy and perspective pieces—aimed at fostering scientific clarity and balanced discussion in this contested arena.

Please note: Due to exceptionally high interest and to ensure efficient editorial review, all prospective authors for this Research Topic must submit an abstract (manuscript summary) by 21 October 2025. This requirement is specific to this collection.

If you are not an invited author but would like to propose a submission, or if you have any questions about the process, please contact us at developmentalpsychology@frontiersin.org.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Social and Digital Media Use in Children and Adolescents: Risks, Resilience, and Implications