Born in Bradford has launched the IRL (In Real Life) trial, the world’s first major study exploring the impact of reducing social media use among adolescents. The study will involve 4,000 students aged 12-15 from secondary schools across Bradford and will provide robust evidence on how social media use affects young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Over six weeks, some participants will use a smartphone app that limits their social media use, while others will continue as normal. Students will complete questionnaires at the beginning and end of the trial, helping researchers understand the impact on anxiety, sleep, bullying, body image, school life, and time spent with friends and family.

The study is particularly interested in understanding whether reducing social media use can improve outcomes for young people already experiencing symptoms of anxiety.

Alongside the questionnaires, some participants will also take part in interviews to share their experiences. Findings from the IRL trial will help build the evidence base needed to inform future policy and practice, ensuring decisions about social media use are made in the best interests of young people.

Dr John Pickavance, trial manager, said the study would create “rigorous scientific” evidence for future policy making.

“The government has made that decision but we don’t have any details yet and we don’t know how it’s going to be implemented,” he said.

“We want there to be the best evidence available to any policy makers, now or in the future, so these decisions are being made in the young people’s best interests.”

Find out about trial here: https://borninbradford.nhs.uk/what-we-do/studies/irl-trial/