Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/311964 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17525
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Using multiple sources, we document a substantial worsening in the mental wellbeing of Australians aged 15-24, as measured by surveys, self-harm hospitalisations and suicide deaths. The shift began around 2007-2010 and is worse for young women than for young men. While several factors could be to blame, we present six pieces of evidence suggesting that smartphones and social media may have played a causal role in damaging the mental health of young Australians.
Subjects: 
mental health
technology
smartphones
social media
JEL: 
D91
I12
L82
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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