Study Findings
A comprehensive study published in involving over 4,000 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study found that addiction to social media, mobile phones, and video games is significantly associated with higher risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
By age 14, approximately a third of participants were increasingly addicted to social media, 25% to mobile phones, and over 40% to video games, with these groups showing 2 to 3 times higher risk of suicidal behaviors.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
Dr. Jason Nagata emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between mere screen time and addictive behaviors, highlighting that addiction elements are more predictive of mental health issues and suicide risks.
Psychologist Melissa Greenberg advises parents to set early boundaries, schedule screen-free times, and encourage non-screen activities to prevent screen addiction among teens.