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Riskonnected: Social Media, Puberty and Risky Behaviours in Adolescence

Author

Listed:
  • Agnoletto, Margherita

    (University of Turin)

  • Della Giusta, Marina

    (University of Turin)

  • Mendolia, Silvia

    (University of Turin)

Abstract

We examine the impact of intensive social media use on puberty timing, particularly earlier menarche in girls. Using data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), a nationally representative longitudinal dataset tracking around 19,000 children in the UK, we analyse how digital engagement influences adolescent development. Our results show that intensive social media use significantly accelerates menarche in girls but has no clear effect on male puberty markers. The likely mechanism behind this effect is the negative impact of social media on mental health, particularly stress and anxiety, which have been linked to earlier menarche. Our findings highlight social media use itself as a potential risky behaviour, reinforcing concerns about its effects on adolescent well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Agnoletto, Margherita & Della Giusta, Marina & Mendolia, Silvia, 2025. "Riskonnected: Social Media, Puberty and Risky Behaviours in Adolescence," IZA Discussion Papers 18013, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18013
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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