A University of South Australia study tracking more than 14,000 students aged 11 to 14 has found daily social media use has surged from 26% before the pandemic to 85% by 2022. Researchers describe the trend as a “perfect storm” driven by lockdowns and social distancing measures that left young people with limited alternatives.
South Australian Education Minister Blair Boyer warned that a generation has been used as “guinea pigs” for social media technology. The study also revealed sharp declines in traditional activities: children who never participated in arts rose from 26% to 70%, while those who never read for fun increased from 11% to 53%.
Authorities hope upcoming laws banning social media for children will help reverse the trend, though experts caution that reduced screen time may not automatically lead to productive offline activities. Parents expressed concern, with one noting, “I know I’m addicted, but I don’t want my kids to be.”
