Instagram has been rated as the worst app when it comes to mental health, a study has revealed.

The research, published by The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) and the charity Young Health Movement, looked at 1,500 young people who regularly use social media.

They were asked to rate each social media platform on its effect on health and wellbeing

The study found that photo-sharing platform Instagram has the most negative impact on users and puts them at risk of suffering loneliness, depression, and body image anxiety.

Instagram said keeping its platform safe was a top priority.

But according to the research, the app was found to harm perceptions of body image, increase the fear of missing out, and have a detrimental effect on sleep.

It was followed by Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube in terms of impact on mental health.

Shirley Cramer CBE, chief executive, of the RSPH, said: “It’s interesting to see Instagram and Snapchat ranking as the worst for mental health and wellbeing – both platforms are very image-focused and it appears they may be driving feelings of inadequacy and anxiety in young people.

“As the evidence grows that there may be potential harms from heavy use of social media, and as we upgrade the status of mental health within society, it is important that we have checks and balances in place to make social media less of a wild west when it comes to young people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Dr Becky Inkster, honorary research fellow, University of Cambridge, added: “Young people sometimes feel more comfortable talking about personal issues online.

“As health professionals we must make every attempt to understand modern youth culture expressions, lexicons, and terms to better connect with their thoughts and feelings.”