UK study to examine effects of restricting social media for children

Pupils from 30 secondary schools in Bradford in years 8, 9 and 10 will take part in the study. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

A pioneering investigation into the impact of restricting social media access for children in the UK has been announced as politicians around the world consider action on the issue.

In December, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from social media, with governments in other countries, including the, coming under pressure to do the same.