The conversation about teenagers and social media is increasingly polarized. A new University of Amsterdam feature brings needed nuance. Together with my UvA colleagues, we reflect on how research has evolved beyond “good vs. bad” headlines to examine what actually shapes outcomes: the contexts in which teens use social media, what they’re doing there, and how individual differences (e.g., skills, mood, vulnerabilities) matter.
In the Netherlands, this debate has been especially lively. Policies like the classroom phone ban and national guidance encouraging parents to delay social media until age 15 have intensified public discussion. While clear guidance can help, many youth advocates and researchers (myself included) emphasize proportionate, evidence-led approaches that prioritize design improvements, healthy habits (sleep, boundaries), and digital competence over blanket prohibitions. The aim is smarter support, not simple slogan.
The UvA feature touches on topics I study frequently: when social media supports connection, creativity, and identity development—and when patterns like nighttime scrolling, constant interruptions, or social comparison can undermine well-being. It also highlights why we need better conversations with teens, smarter platform design and governance, and guidance that balances autonomy with support.
If you’re a parent, educator, journalist, or policymaker, I hope this piece helps reframe the debate: less panic, more proportion. Most importantly, it underscores that teens are not a monolith—so our responses shouldn’t be either.
Special thanks to the UvA’s press office for the heavy lift on this story.
Read the full story: Teenagers and Social Media (English | Dutch) .