Numerous studies over the past decade have linked time spent on social media with mental health issues in children, teens and young adults.

United Kingdom researchers at King’s College London reviewed a dozen studies and found the correlation appears consistent, if limited.

“It is fair to say that there is an ‘association’ between social media use and mental health problems, on the basis that this means a socially constructed reality,” the scientists reported.

“But this is not necessarily scientifically valid.”

The report went on to stress that the studies don’t prove social media use causes mental health issues, explaining that causation has not been adequately studied and would require more direct evidence.

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