Why Are Teen Girls Struggling More With Social Media Than Boys?

We all know social media can be a double-edged sword. It's where we connect, express, vent, and even escape. But for teenage girls, that edge is cutting a little deeper.

A new survey out of Wales just revealed something eye-opening: teen girls are struggling more with social Media (1 in 5; aged 13 to 15). From losing hours scrolling to conflict with friends and family, compared to just 1 in 10 boys. That’s a huge gap, and it’s not just about screen time.

So what’s really going on?

The data, collected by Public Health Wales and Cardiff University, surveyed over 130,000 teens aged 11 to 16, making it one of the largest studies of its kind. Girls, especially in Year 9 and 10 (ages 13 to 15), reported struggling way more than boys when it comes to things like:

• Obsessively checking apps

• Letting social media interfere with sleep or school

• Constant comparison with others

• Feeling the need to always be “on”

  
  

These aren’t minor habits. They're behaviors that can chip away at mental health, and potentially explain why teen girls are reporting more anxiety, depression, and friendship fallouts than ever before.

“I sit down and then two hours would go [by] and I didn’t realize... it’s kind of shocking,” said Lois, 13.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Many teens, like Beth, 14, are learning to set boundaries, like leaving their phones upstairs or joining clubs to stay active IRL. But still, the pressure to stay connected and present online is intense, especially for girls.

Why the gender gap? - Teen Girls Struggling More With Social Media

Experts aren’t totally sure. One theory, girls might be more vulnerable to social comparison, the endless scroll of “perfect” bodies, curated lives, and viral content can be hard to shut off. Add in cyberbullying (which girls report slightly more often) and late-night phone use, and you've got a storm of emotional overload.

Emily van de Venter, a health improvement consultant for PHW, summed it up well:

“It’s not clear cut... but we do need to take this seriously.”

So, what can we do?

• Normalize not being online 24/7

• Talk openly about digital boundaries

• Ditch the FOMO, real life > filtered feeds

• Consider turning off notifications, or keeping your phone out of the bedroom

  
  

Social media isn’t going anywhere, and honestly, it shouldn’t. It’s not about quitting, it’s about reclaiming control. For ourselves, and for the next generation, watching how we use it.