HealthThursday, November 12, 20261 min read

Younger teens face more social media stress than older teens, study finds

By TOI LIFESTYLE DESK · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

A survey of 1,306 students aged 10 to 16 in Chandigarh and Panchkula revealed that 52% experience mild to severe digital stress. Researchers discovered that psychological triggers like internet dependency, fear of missing out, and expectations of continuous availability drive this strain. Additionally, spending more than three hours daily on social media during weekdays sharply increased stress levels among participants.

Key points

Heavy daily screen time significantly elevates digital stress compared to more limited we…: Heavy daily screen time significantly elevates digital stress compared to more limited weekday social media use.
Around 40% of surveyed students showed internet dependency, which closely correlated with…: Around 40% of surveyed students showed internet dependency, which closely correlated with higher reported stress levels.
Girls and urban youth disproportionately experience the fear of missing out and pressures…: Girls and urban youth disproportionately experience the fear of missing out and pressures regarding constant availability.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

A 12-year-old checks their phone after school and finds that friends have shared photographs from a gathering they were not invited to. They scroll through the comments, notice how many likes a classmate's post has received and wonder why their own updates do not get the same attention. Even when they put the phone away, they keep thinking about what is happening online.

For many children entering their teenage years, social media is no longer just a place to watch videos or share photographs. It can also become a source of pressure to stay connected, keep up with friends and seek approval from others.

A new study by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, suggests that younger adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to these pressures. Children aged 10-13 experienced more social media-related stress than teenagers aged 14-16, highlighting how the impact of digital platforms can differ even within the adolescent years.

52% of students reported digital stress

Photo: Canva

The study, titled

Social Media Use and Digital Stress Among School Adolescents in North India surveyed 1,306…

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Key Points

Heavy daily screen time significantly elevates digital stress compared to more limited we…: Heavy daily screen time significantly elevates digital stress compared to more limited weekday social media use.
Around 40% of surveyed students showed internet dependency, which closely correlated with…: Around 40% of surveyed students showed internet dependency, which closely correlated with higher reported stress levels.
Girls and urban youth disproportionately experience the fear of missing out and pressures…: Girls and urban youth disproportionately experience the fear of missing out and pressures regarding constant availability.

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AI Analysis

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In short

Key Points

Heavy daily screen time significantly elevates digital stress compared to more limited we…: Heavy daily screen time significantly elevates digital stress compared to more limited weekday social media use.
Around 40% of surveyed students showed internet dependency, which closely correlated with…: Around 40% of surveyed students showed internet dependency, which closely correlated with higher reported stress levels.
Girls and urban youth disproportionately experience the fear of missing out and pressures…: Girls and urban youth disproportionately experience the fear of missing out and pressures regarding constant availability.

Topics

Health

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Younger teens face more social media stress than older teens, study finds

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