Body image, disordered eating, and social media use among children and preadolescents: A scoping review of longitudinal studies

Body image concerns and disordered eating are emerging at younger ages, yet little is known about how social media use influences these outcomes during childhood and preadolescence. Cross-sectional evidence suggests associations between social media engagement and poorer body image, but longitudinal research needs to clarify temporal patterns and risk pathways. This scoping review mapped longitudinal studies examining associations between social media use and body image and/or disordered eating among children (≤ 12 years). Searches were conducted from inception to 24 October 2025. Eligible studies included designs with baseline data collected in childhood or preadolescence and measures of social media use alongside body image or disordered eating outcomes. Data were charted iteratively and synthesised narratively. Six studies published between 2014 and 2024 met inclusion criteria, with three drawing on the same dataset. Five studies found higher social media use or screen time encompassing social media use predicted poorer body image or greater disordered eating, including binge eating, fear of weight gain, and compensatory behaviours. One study showed no effects. Two studies reported body image did not predict social media use. One study examined types of social media use, and few assessed mediators or moderators. Although this review points to possible associations between social media use and poorer body image and disordered eating in childhood, research is urgently required to disentangle social media use from screen-based activity and examine underlying mechanisms and platform-specific effects. Such insights will help inform early prevention, social media regulation, and systemic changes to social media platforms.