Too much social media linked to harmful behaviours in teenagers, study suggests

Researchers said ‘experimental and risk- taking behaviours are an inherent part of adolescence’ and more work is needed to determine the aspects of social media that are most harmful (Yui Mok/PA)

Frequent use of social media could be linked to harmful behaviours in children and young people, such as drinking, taking drugs, smoking and gambling, a study has suggested.

Exposure to alcohol advertising on different platforms had the strongest evidence of harm, researchers said.