Bradford teens join major trial limiting social media to study mental health impact

The IRL (In Real Life) trial, led by Born in Bradford, has recruited 4,000 students from secondary schools across Bradford. Participants will either use a smartphone app to restrict their social media access or continue their normal usage. Over six weeks, they will complete questionnaires at the beginning and end about their feelings, including anxiety, sleep, body image and school life, according to the BBC.

The study is believed to be the first major scientific investigation into how limiting social media affects young people's mental health. Dr John Pickavance, the trial manager, said the aim is to produce rigorous scientific evidence for policymakers. He noted that the government announced a social media ban for under-16s in May, to be introduced by spring 2027, but implementation details remain unclear, the BBC reported.

Some students shared their thoughts on the trial. Dawson, 12, who spends about two hours a day on social media, said he looks forward to spending less time on his phone, believing it will lead to stronger relationships and better focus. His father, Adam, hopes to see more of his son and for him to spend more time with friends, though he acknowledged it would be a challenge.

At Appleton Academy in Wyke, where many participants were recruited, students Hannah, 12, Blossom, 13, and Louis, 12, said they would miss connecting with friends on social media. Hannah expressed concern that limiting screen time to two hours would be sad because many people have friends online. Louis thought the first two weeks would be hard but expected to adapt.

Rachel Garlick, Head of Secondary at Appleton Academy, emphasized the importance of including children's views, as they rely heavily on social media for communication. The trial's findings are expected to help inform how the under-16 ban is implemented, with results feeding into future policy decisions.