Many parents and guardians have asked at one point or another, “How do I get my teen off their phone?” The same goes for any technology addiction, from playing video games to watching videos on tablets to interacting on social media. It seems like there is always time for screen time — but where do you draw the line? And, what happens if you suspect your teen has mental health struggles because of too much technology exposure?
As of 2025, research continues to show a strong connection between excessive screen use and mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and attention problems. ¹
But when technology starts to disrupt school, sleep, or relationships, it may be a sign that your teen’s mental health is being impacted. Here’s what current research says, and how you can help your child regain balance.
The screen time problem and mental health.
We’ve all seen it: teens with technology glued to their hands, heads down, consumed by what’s happening on the screen. We’ve probably even seen younger kids with devices at the dinner table or in the car to occupy their time. Not only are children and adolescents using technology for important purposes including school, but more leisure time is spent with screens.
This constant exposure to smartphones, computers, TV, tablets, and gaming consoles can severely impact mental health. It can increase stress and anxiety, cause behavioral dysregulation, decrease social abilities, and impact sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2025 that teens who spend more than six hours per day on screens are significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms. ²
Sleep deprivation, reduced physical activity, and constant comparison on social media can all feed into the cycle. Over time, those effects compound, shaping not just behavior — but brain development itself.
Recent studies show mental health impact due to technology addiction.
A recent study led by faculty at the Yale Department of Psychiatry and Columbia School of Nursing analyzed screen media activity in over 5,100 youth. The study, which was the largest analysis of brain development in children, found that youth who spent the most time on digital technology exhibited higher levels of depression, anxiety, social anxiety, aggression, defiance, and bullying — even up to two years after the dependence. The study concluded an “association between frequent screen time and mental health problems was mediated by specific changes in brain development.”³
Another study led by university professors found that high users of screens ages 14-17 years old were twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety, treated by a mental health professional, and have taken medication for psychological or behavioral issue. ⁴
And new data in 2025 continues to reinforce these concerns. A June 2025 study from Weill Cornell Medicine found that addictive screen use — not total hours — was the strongest predictor of suicidal ideation and self-harm risk among teens.⁵
The findings of these studies are especially important to understand. The brain is being physically changed because of excessive screentime. The psychological impact is real—and lasting— so, what can we do to help stop the excess and help those who already face mental and behavioral health problems?
How much screentime is too much screentime?
The aforementioned study on the associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being categorized high users of screentime at 7+ hours per day, moderate users around 4 hours per day and low users at 1 hour per day. ³
The American Academy of Pediatrics screen time guidelines is moving away from a set number of hours a day that is “health” or “safe” to be interacting with screens. Before, it was recommended less than two hours per day for children older than five. ⁶ The new recommendation is to develop a family media plan to set priorities based on needs and time of year. ⁷
Navigating the online world while supporting mental health
Parents and guardians trying to help today’s young people navigate an online world are ill-equipped to do so simply because they didn’t grow up with similar experiences. They don’t have their own childhood memories to recall to help connect with their kids and give helpful tools, guidance, and rules around screen time. If you are a parent or guardian to a child or adolescent, following the American Academy of Pediatrics media guide can be helpful.
According to Lurie Children’s Hospital’s 2025 Report, 81% of kids under 13 now own a personal device — and 60% of parents say screens interfere with family connection. Implementing shared “tech breaks,” setting parental controls, and curating your teen’s online feed can help create balance without conflict. ⁸
The National Alliance of Mental Illness, or NAMI, also has tips on how to manage screen time and support good mental health. ⁹
What to do if you suspect your child has mental health challenges
If your teen seems increasingly withdrawn, anxious, or irritable, or if screen use has started to replace in-person interactions, it may be time to reach out for help.
Talk openly about how they’re feeling, and track any changes in behavior, sleep, or academic performance. A professional evaluation can help determine whether symptoms stem from excessive screen use or an underlying condition such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
At Nexus, our True North Program provides integrated medical and behavioral care for teens whose mental health challenges may be linked to technology overuse, isolation, or co-occurring diagnoses.
If you’re ready to explore treatment options or get support for your teen, contact us to learn more about True North and how we’re helping families heal and find connection.
Sources
- Screen time and emotional problems in kids: A vicious circle | APA
- Associations Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among US Teenagers | CDC
- Yale School of Medicine, Study Probes Connection Between Excessive Screen Media Activity and Mental Health Problems in Youth
- Preventive Medicine Reports, Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study
- Study, Finds Addictive Screen Uses, Not Total Screen Time, Linked to Youth Suicide Risk | WCM
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Screen Time Guidelines
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Media Plan
NAMI, Tips on Managing Your Screen Time for Good Mental Health
