Screen Time and Suicidal Ideation in College Students: New Study Findings

Excessive screen time and online harassment are independently linked to an increased risk of suicidal ideation among college students, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The research, led by Seungbin Oh, indicates that high levels of digital device usage correlate with higher rates of suicidal thoughts in young adults.

The study focused on U.S. college students, the majority of whom were between the ages of 18 and 25. Researchers utilized data provided by the Healthy Minds Network, a research coalition that includes Boston University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and the University of California, Los Angeles.

Seungbin Oh, an assistant professor of mental health counseling and behavioral medicine at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, led the research team. He identified two distinct digital factors contributing to the risk.

“We found that both excessive screen time and experiences of online harassment were independently and significantly linked to increased risk of suicidal ideation among college students,” says Seungbin Oh.

Seungbin Oh

Youth Suicide Trends and Public Health Data

The findings arrive amid a sharp increase in youth suicide rates across the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that suicide rates for individuals aged 10 to 24 rose by 62% between 2007 and 2021.

According to the CDC, this trend made suicide the second leading cause of death for young people in 2021.

Distinction Between Usage and Harassment

The research distinguishes between the volume of time spent on screens and the nature of the interactions occurring during that time. While online harassment is a direct negative interaction, the study found that the sheer amount of screen time itself serves as a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation.

This suggests that the risk is not solely tied to targeted abuse, but also to the general habits of excessive digital consumption among the college-aged population.

If you or someone you know is impacted by these issues or is considering suicide, resources including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available.