Study: Screen Time‍ Itself‍ Not the Culprit; Addiction Linked to Mental Health Issues in Children

⁢ Updated June 19,2025

Many parents worry about how much time their children spend using digital devices. A⁤ new study, however, indicates that the focus should be on *how* children are using screens, not⁣ necessarily *how long*.

The research,published in *JAMA*,the journal of the American Medical Association,found that the amount of time children⁢ spent on social ⁤media,mobile phones,and ⁢video games was not directly associated wiht increased symptoms of internalizing mental health⁣ problems like anxiety and ⁤depression.nor was it linked to ‍externalizing ‍issues such as aggression or rule-breaking, or to‍ suicidal thoughts or ⁤behaviors.

Rather,⁤ the key factor was whether ⁤children exhibited addictive behaviors⁣ related to⁣ screen use.

Yunyu‍ Xiao, lead author of the study and assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, defined addictive⁤ use as “excessive use” that interferes with responsibilities at home, school, or other activities. She noted that children experiencing this feel⁣ a compulsion and struggle to stop.

The study revealed that nearly half of the ⁤young people surveyed showed a high tendency toward mobile phone⁤ addiction,⁣ and over 40% toward video game addiction.

According to the‍ four-year study of over 4,000 U.S. children (initially aged 9 or 10), those with high‍ or increasing social media and phone use were two to ⁣three times more likely to exhibit suicidal thoughts or behaviors than those with lower use.

Other findings included a higher risk of mental health symptoms among young people with high ⁣or increasing social media use. Elevated video game use was associated with a greater risk of mental health symptoms,suicidal behaviors,and suicidal‍ ideation.

The study also ⁤found that girls were ‍more likely than boys to develop ‍social media addiction, while boys were more prone to video game addiction.

Xiao⁢ acknowledged the study ⁢relied on self-reported data and ⁢did not account for potential ⁢genetic or environmental⁤ influences.

The study underscores the importance ‍of parents helping⁣ children avoid these types of addictions.

Melissa Greenberg, a clinical psychologist at Princeton Psychotherapy Center in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study, recommends setting limits early.”Children need to know that there are times when it is ‍not permitted to use cell phones, video games,‍ or other technologies,” she said.

Greenberg also suggested scheduling screen-free periods during meals and in the evening to allow families to relax before bed. She advised against allowing phones⁢ in teenagers’‍ bedrooms after⁢ a certain hour.

Encouraging and even planning activities for teenagers that do not involve screens is also important, Greenberg ⁢said. While some parents fear for‍ their children’s safety when meeting in person, she ⁢noted that it is ⁢often more dangerous for them to be alone in their rooms using ⁤social media, where they can be exposed to predators, extortionists, ‍or simply become addicted.

“model appropriate device usage,” Greenberg added. “Parents⁤ need to be aware of‍ their own usage and show their children how to balance screen time and non-screen time.”

The Anxious Generation ⁣movement, inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s book, has proposed a “Phone-Free Friday” challenge during the summer.

Greenberg also emphasized the importance of talking to children‍ about the⁤ addictive nature of screens “in a non-critical way,” explaining that screens are designed to capture attention and social media platforms ⁢are designed to keep users coming‍ back for more. She recommends creating device usage agreements with children,deciding together what uses‍ are acceptable,setting daily limits,and establishing consequences for ⁤breaking the rules.

Signs of‍ addiction include a compulsive or ⁢uncontrollable urge to use these platforms, Greenberg explained. This can manifest as a teenager constantly checking their phone or turning to video games even when ⁣it is inappropriate or prohibited, such as at school, at night, or while doing homework.

other‍ signs include attempting to reduce usage without success, experiencing problems at school or with friends due to excessive use, or lying and becoming defensive when parents inquire.

Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, sadness, or anger ⁤when access to the platforms is restricted, are also a classic⁣ sign.

Parents should also be alert to children neglecting responsibilities or avoiding offline activities. “they may not want ⁢to or be able to interact in‍ person or be constantly distracted if they try,” Greenberg said.

parents should watch for signs of sleep⁤ deprivation, which⁢ can ⁤be caused by phone or video game ⁣addiction and lead to fatigue, irritability,⁢ anxiety, or depression, Greenberg cautioned.

If you suspect your child may be addicted, Greenberg advises ‍against judgment. She emphasizes that the⁣ child likely does not want to be in that situation, and it is not a ⁢sign of parental failure. The problem is that these ⁢devices are designed to be engaging.

“We need to⁤ teach them, not shame them,” she ‍said.

Parents should ‍talk to their children about how they are feeling and try to understand why they are spending so much time ⁣on these platforms.They should schedule other activities and review the device usage ⁢agreement, adjusting it as needed.

However, ‍if the addiction has negative⁣ consequences or ⁣interferes with the child’s functioning, seeking professional help is crucial.

What’s next

This research suggests that parents should focus less on overall screen time and more on identifying⁣ and addressing signs of addictive ⁣behavior in their ‍children. Taking preventative measures ⁤is key, but professional help should be⁤ sought ⁣if addiction is suspected to avoid serious consequences.