Making headlines: Young people’s social media use and navigating media narratives

Jade’s systematic review analysed how UK newspapers and the BBC have portrayed young people’s social media use over the past decade. Examining more than 300 articles from 2014–2024, the study found that most coverage focused on risks rather than benefits - with 58% of headlines taking a negative tone and 98% referencing potential harms such as mental health or online safety. Only a small fraction of articles included research evidence or young people’s own perspectives. This unbalanced reporting shapes public perceptions and may influence policymaking, often amplifying fear rather than understanding. You can read the paper here.

Building on these findings, this policy article translated the research findings into practical recommendations for policymakers and journalists. It calls for greater inclusion of young people’s voices in debates about digital wellbeing, stronger media literacy education across schools, and adherence to responsible reporting standards- especially when covering sensitive topics like suicide.

The impact of this work has already begun to reach the policy arena. In July 2025, MP Adam Jogee tabled a parliamentary question asking what assessment the Department for Education had made of this research and its implications for media literacy. The question response  acknowledged the study and pointed to ongoing curriculum reviews aimed at updating digital literacy provision. While not committing to new policy yet, the exchange highlights how academic research and public policy commentary can together spark conversations within Parliament.