Two University of Bath School of Management experts, Dr. Brit Davidson and Dr. David Ellis, have joined a coalition of 19 leading academics from around the world to urge Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg to support more rigorous and transparent research into how Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp affect children's well-being. The open letter, addressed to Zuckerberg, highlights concerns that the current methods used by Meta do not meet the high scientific standards necessary to responsibly assess the mental health impacts on young users. Davidson, an expert in digital health and behavior, and Ellis, a behavioral scientist focusing on the impacts of data and social media, emphasize that the current research is conducted in secret, providing only a fragmented and often unreliable picture. This lack of transparency has raised skepticism among scientists and alarmed lawmakers, journalists, parents, and children alike. "Mark Zuckerberg and Meta have an ethical and moral obligation to align their internal research with established standards for evidence in mental health science," Ellis stated. The letter points out that with three billion people using Meta platforms, it is highly plausible that these virtual environments significantly influence the mental health of younger users, both positively and negatively. However, the methodologically questionable and secretive approach to research means that meaningful conclusions are difficult to draw. "If the science was strong, the data collected by Meta could inform our understanding of digital technology use and its influence on mental health in unprecedented ways," Davidson noted. The coalition applauds Meta's efforts to understand the impact of their platforms on young people but criticizes the company's approach, which they argue is "doomed to fail" due to its lack of transparency and rigorous methodology. They emphasize that this not only undermines public trust but also hinders the development of effective policies and interventions to protect children's mental health. The academics propose the creation of an Independent Oversight Trust for child and adolescent mental health on Meta platforms. This trust would conduct comprehensive and transparent research to evaluate the material risks to mental health and gather scientific evidence. They suggest that it could build on Meta's existing Oversight Board, which has demonstrated a commitment to independent governance in matters of free expression and legal norms. The letter also highlights the importance of broadening the scope of mental health research beyond European, North American, and English-speaking populations. Currently, most research on youth mental health is limited to these groups, reinforcing biases and neglecting the well-being of the majority of young people worldwide. The Independent Oversight Trust could address this gap by including diverse and global perspectives, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable approach to understanding the impacts of social media. The coalition believes that Meta has a unique responsibility due to its vast user base and access to extensive data. By opening up this research, Meta can contribute significantly to the field of digital mental health and help identify and promote mental health strategies for the 21st century. They are offering their expertise and assistance to Meta, emphasizing that the company has the potential to make a substantial positive impact if it is willing to adhere to higher research standards and foster greater transparency. Industry insiders and other experts have echoed the coalition’s concerns, noting that the absence of robust, independent research leaves significant gaps in understanding the full scope of social media's impact on young minds. They argue that companies like Meta should be held to the same standards as those in other areas of research that affect public health. The University of Bath School of Management, where Davidson and Ellis are based, is known for its strong research programs in digital health and behavioral sciences, positioning them as credible voices in this ongoing debate. Meta's response to this letter will be closely watched, as it has the potential to shape future policies and practices in the tech industry.