Addictive use of screens…
is increasing the risk of kids having thoughts of suicide or wanting to harm themselves. A new study published in JAMA, Journal of American Medical Association, shows a link between addictive behavior (not just screen time) and rising rates of suicidal behavior (1).
By age 14, those who had difficulty taking a break from their phones, were 2-3 times more likely than others to have thoughts of suicide or self harm.
In the book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World, Dr. J. Twenge writes:
“Kid’s screen time at 10 likely bears little resemblance to their screens at age 14.”
That is why parents of children age 14 and up are encouraged to pay attention to
- change in sleeping or eating habits
- lower grades
- other issues at school
- anger outbursts
- mood swings
- lack of interest in things they used to like to do
If you notice any of the above, please seek help for your teen.
Assistant professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, Dr. Y Xiao notes,
“If there are early warnings…..We do not know if just taking away their phone will help…”
The latest studies tell us that the solution more involved than just limiting screen time.
Recommended interventions are BEHAVIORAL, such as cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.
Smart phone use – new cultural norms
Parents have begun to “strike back” against smart phone impact on their kids, according to computer scientist and author Cal Newport.
Newport writes there are 4 phases of scientific understanding of smartphones, social media, and kids.
- 2012–2017: Research shows teen anxiety starts to rise.
- 2017–2020: There is a mix of science backed studies on whether smart phones are good or bad for kids.
- 2024–2025: Scientific consensus emerges that the cause of teen mental health decline is is largely due to smart phone / social media use
- 2026: Parents are taking action to help limit addictive use of smart phones. Even older teens are expressing regret about having unlimited access to their smart phones.
Recommendations for Parents
“We don’t have to give in to the Smartphones.”
– Jonathan Haidt, Social Psychologist, Author, The Anxious Generation
Elaborating on the above thought, Haidt advocates for the following:
- Don’t give kids a smartphone until high school.
- Don’t give kids access to social media until age 16.
- Schools should have a no phone policy.
Regarding the ban on phones in schools, it is encouraging that this is happening nationwide.
- In Canada, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, along with specific schools in British Colombia have classroom or full-day restrictions on phones since 2024 or 2025.
- In the US, the majority of states require K-12 schools to outright ban or restrict cell phone use. In ten states as well as in the District of Colombia, full day bans are in place.
Newport believes in 1-3 years the above three new norms will be socially acceptable….. do you?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have we had (or planned) an “off the grid” weekend or vacation together?
- Do I practice intentional smartphone use?
- How often do we as a family have phone free meals, at home and in restaurants?
- Do we regularly engage in offline experiences through sports or being in nature?
Sources:
- Real Risk to Youth Mental Health is Addictive Use, Not Screen Time, Study Finds, The New York Times, Ellen Barry, June 18, 2025
- Are Smartphones The Cigarettes of This Generation? – What You Need To Know, Cal Newport, Deep Questions Podcast, Episode 358