A new study published by JAMA Network is sounding the alarm on the dangers of screen addiction among children. Researchers tracked more than 4,000 kids starting at ages 9 and 10 through the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. By the time participants reached 14, significant concerns had emerged regarding social media, mobile devices, and video games.
Yunyu Xiao, the study’s lead author, noted that “these youth are significantly more likely to report suicidal behaviors and thoughts.” The data paints a concerning picture: roughly a third of the children grew more addicted to social media, 25% to cell phones, and over 40% to video games.
Using a questionnaire, kids answered prompts like “I try to use the social media app less, but I can’t,” and their responses were tracked over several years. Nearly 60% maintained low levels of social media addiction, but about 10% saw increasing addiction, especially in the third and fourth years.
By year four, nearly 18% of kids reported suicidal thoughts, and 5% reported suicidal behaviors. These risks were highest among those with rising addiction to phones, social media, and gaming. Notably, total screen time alone wasn’t linked to higher suicide risk.
Dr. Jason Nagata from UCSF emphasized, “It shows that elements of addiction related to screen use are more strongly predictive of poorer mental health.” He added, “These symptoms of screen addictions are actually pretty common.”
Psychologist Mitch Prinstein cautioned against overgeneralizing, saying screen content, not just time, should be considered: “Some kids might be trolling some pretty dangerous sites.”
