2025

New analysis of the largest annual survey of young people in Australia challenges assumptions that more time on social media corresponds with worse mental health and wellbeing outcomes. 

• Access full report: Social Media & Young People in Australia: Findings from the 2024 Mission Australia Youth Survey 

The report, prepared by Orygen using data from the 2024 Mission Australia Youth Survey, shows that young people who use social media at moderate levels had similar and often better wellbeing and connection outcomes compared to low-level users. 

“What we can see here is that, despite the popular narrative, social media isn’t inherently damaging – the relationship is far more nuanced,” lead author and Orygen research fellow Dr Louise La Sala said. 

The report – Social Media & Young People in Australia: Findings from the 2024 Mission Australia Youth Survey – compares the mental health and wellbeing responses of 17,480 people aged 15–19 who use social media at high (three hours or more per day), moderate (1-3 hours per day) and low levels (less than one hour per day). 

While high levels of social media use had a strong relationship with increased psychological distress, loneliness and reduced optimism for the future, moderate users compared similarly to low-level users – in fact, moderate users were the most likely to feel supported by key adults, and were most likely to take part in face-to-face activities such as sports. 

Other key findings from the report include: 

• 97 per cent of young people in Australia aged 15–19 reported daily social media use, and nearly two in five (38%) spent three hours or more 

• Young people who were female, gender diverse, and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander were more likely to be high-level users  

• 78 per cent of young people in Australia reported feeling lonely in the past year, but only 10 per cent of those who experienced loneliness in the previous four weeks indicated social media made them feel more lonely 

• High users were much less likely than moderate and low users to participate in sports (55 per cent compared to 67 per cent for both moderate and low) 

• When looking for help on important issues, high users were much less likely to go to parents/guardians (52 per cent compared to 63 per cent for both moderate and low) 

“Nearly all young people are on social media daily, and those with poorer wellbeing outcomes are there much more often – this points to a need for stronger support around healthy online habits, but also tells us where we can reach young people who may need help,” Dr La Sala said. 

The analysis comes months before the Australian Government is expected to introduce age restrictions on social media access for those aged under 16. But the authors said the results from the survey showed that we need to do more than delay young people’s access. 

“These findings send a clear message: banning social media until 16 won’t be enough. The real challenge begins when young people go online – we need to set them up to thrive by preparing before they turn 16, not simply restrict their access.” 

The report, co-authored by policy experts from Orygen, explores four key recommendations: 

• Digital literacy programs: Promote balanced and mindful social media use. 

• Mental health support on social media: Further investment in using social media as an intervention tool, including engaging high profile social media influencers. 

• Limiting access to harmful content: Better regulation of social media platforms, including better transparency of algorithms. 

• Further research: More longitudinal studies with methodologies that explore the differences between young people, rather than treating them as a homogenous group.