Video chats, text messages on social networks can expose teenagers to the risk of drug use

Toronto, Nov 16 (IANS): Among teenagers, excessive time spent on social media platforms is linked to early experimentation with substances such as alcohol, nicotine and marijuana, new research has found.

Teens who spend more time on social media, texting and video chatting are more likely to experiment with alcohol, nicotine or cannabis a year later. The study collected data on 8,006 teenagers aged 11-12 years.

In contrast, time spent on other screen-based activities — such as playing video games, browsing the Internet, or watching television, movies or videos — was not associated with the same risks, according to the study, published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

“Our findings suggest that online social connections may account for the association between screen time and substance use in early adolescence,” explained Jason M. Nagata, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.

“When teenagers are constantly exposed to friends or influencers who drink or smoke on social media, they are more likely to perceive such behavior as normal and more likely to try these substances themselves,” Nagata added.

Social media platforms often portray substance use in a positive light and are often used for marketing campaigns promoting alcohol, tobacco and cannabis products.

“With developing brains still forming impulse control, young teens may be particularly vulnerable to this type of content and advertising,” Nagata said.

Schools and parents can play an important role in solving this problem.

“Schools can consider media literacy programs that educate students about the effects of digital content on harmful behaviors,” said Kyle T. Ganson, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto Factor-Inventash. “Parents can also help by monitoring content and setting clear guidelines for teenagers’ screen use.”

The findings extend existing knowledge about adolescent substance use, which is associated with poor academic performance, cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of developing substance use disorders later in life.