3S-YP: Social Media, Smartphone Use and Self-Harm In Young People Study

ABOUT THE STUDY

Social media platforms (for example, Instagram) are popular among young people and many young people own a smartphone. Although this technology is useful, there is concern about its effect on mental health and wellbeing. For example, studies have found that night-time use is related to poor sleep as well as mood changes. However, we don’t know exactly how social media and smartphone use can impact on mental health, including self-harm, nor do we know how usage can change in association with changes in mental health.

We are engaging with young people who have accessed mental health services in South-East London. We want to understand how social media and smartphone use are associated with changes in mental health and wellbeing in young people. Everyone is different which is why it’s important for us to involve young people with a range of experiences to ensure our study best represents everyone. The information from this study will help us learn when and what type of support would be useful for young people who are experiencing difficulties.

Dr Rina Dutta is leading this study at King’s College London in partnership with the charity, YoungMinds. You can learn more about our partnership here. This study is funded by the Medical Research Council and Medical Research Foundation.

Want to find out more about our study? Click play on the video below.

WHO WE ARE

Dr Rina Dutta

Dr Rina Dutta

I developed this study with my team because I am passionate about finding out how social media and smartphone use impacts on young people's mental health. I'm a consultant psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital and have previously worked clinically with students and counsellors at the University of the Arts London. Outside of work I love singing, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Dr Ben Carter

Dr Ben Carter

I am a Senior Lecturer in Biostatistics and the mental health research stats group lead at King’s College London. I have been researching the link between mobile devices and poor sleep and mood disorders since 2014. I am a keen runner, and part time fitness instructor.

Dr Kylee Trevillion

Dr Kylee Trevillion

I am a Lecturer at King’s College London. I have worked in academia for 13 years and am passionate about improving people's experience of mental health care. When I'm not working, I am busy running around after my toddler and two pet house rabbits. I enjoy cycling, learning to cook different foods and watching animal documentaries.

Prof Maria Liakata

Prof Maria Liakata

Stella Branthonne-Foster

Stella Branthonne-Foster

I am involved in this research as I’m passionate about young people’s mental health, having struggled with my own mental health problems for many years. Outside of mental health and other work, I enjoy playing with my two cats, learning new things and exploring new places on walks!

Samantha Cross

Samantha Cross

I am a statistician at King’s College London and am the study statistician for 3S-YP. I am interested in statistical methodology around observational studies and using those methods to learn more about mental health. When I am not doing stats, I am playing with my greyhound, crocheting, baking, and doing aerial arts.

Dr Dan Leightley

Dr Dan Leightley

Hi, I'm a Research Fellow working on a range of big data, machine learning and mobile health projects. I enjoy cycling, climbing and cooking when I'm not working.

Dr Amanda Bye

Dr Amanda Bye

I am a Research Associate at King’s College London and Project Manager for the 3S-YP Study. I am interested in adolescent and maternal mental health and improving access to mental health support. When I’m not working, I am spending time with my two children.

Grace Williamson

Grace Williamson

I am a Research Assistant for the 3S-YP Study at King’s College London. I am interested in adolescent and forensic mental health. I enjoy cooking, painting, and spending time with my guinea pig when I’m not working.

Zohra Zenasni

Zohra Zenasni

I am the Study Statistician for the 3S-YP Study at King’s College London. I am interested in improving mental health through research. When I’m not working I enjoy reading, baking and learning Arabic.

Ewan Carr

Ewan Carr

I'm a statistician and researcher in Biostatistics and Health Informatics at King's College London. My work focuses on using statistical techniques to predict and prevent poor mental health, particularly using smartphones or wearable devices. When I’m not working, I like to be hiking or cycling in green places.

We're open to collaboration. Get in touch with your idea!

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or would like more information about the study, please contact us by email at [email protected].

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