This is a national research study funded by the Wellcome Trust and led by Dr Amrit Kaur Purba at the Digital Determinants of Health Hub, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

The study examines whether the content young people see on social media causally influences health behaviours, including alcohol use, drug use and antisocial behaviour. It is among the first studies of its kind to combine longitudinal survey data with objective measures of young people's social media exposure, rather than relying solely on self-report.

The study involves three online surveys alongside a voluntary social media data donation activity, enabling researchers to understand young people's digital experiences alongside changes in health and behaviour over time. Participation in the data donation element is voluntary and information is handled in accordance with the study's approved ethics and data protection procedures.

The findings will provide evidence relevant to the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023 and wider UK policy on protecting young people online. The study has been developed with our Youth Advisory Group and a Policy Advisory Group bringing together expertise in public health, digital safety, education and young people's wellbeing.