The rise of technology has brought many benefits including improved communication, improved learning and entertainment. However, as we increasingly rely on screens in our daily lives, there is growing concern about the impact of screen time on mental health, especially among children and adolescents. Recent studies have shown that excessive screen time is linked to increased suicidality, among other negative consequences.
A 2023 study published in Preventive medecine found that there is a clear correlation between screen time and suicidality in young people. The study determined that each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with a 9% increased risk of suicidal behavior. This follows a recent increase in suicidal ideation, which was observed in a 2020 study by Ivey-Stephenson and others. Similarly, an article by Michael A. Lindsey and others said suicide attempts among high school students increased from 6.3% in 2009 to 7.9% in 2019.
There are many reasons why screen time is linked to increased suicidality. Exposure to cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech can create a sense of isolation and lead to feelings of “thwarted belonging and perceived heaviness.” In addition, the graphic content of video games or television shows can expose young people to violence, death and suicidal depictions, which can increase the risk of suicidal behavior. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can negatively impact mental health, while poorer quality sleep and lack of sleep can lead to depression and anxiety.
Despite the growing body of research linking screen time to negative mental health outcomes, many parents and caregivers continue to struggle to set limits on technology use for young people. It’s no surprise, given that technology is such an integral part of modern life. However, it is important that parents and guardians take steps to protect young people’s mental health by setting consistent limits on screen time.
Experts recommend that children under 18 months should not be exposed to screens except for video chat, while children between 18 months and 5 years old should have no more than an hour of high-quality shows that are watched with a parent and discussed. For children ages 6-12, consistent time and media type limits should be in place, and screens should never displace sleep or physical activity necessary for mental and physical development. For children ages 12 and older, designated media-free times and locations should be established, such as dinner or family time, and bedrooms should be screen-free.
Parents and guardians should also take steps to implement security controls on devices to limit access to inappropriate content. All devices have built-in parental controls, and most browsers and apps do too. Digital parenting apps or porn blocking apps can offer more comprehensive tools, such as setting screen time limits or location tracking, and can be particularly useful for parents who struggle to set consistent screen time limits.
However, perhaps the most important step parents and guardians can take is to have open and honest conversations with young people about the dangers of excessive screen time. Children and adolescents should be made aware of the risks associated with too much screen time, such as the negative impact on mental health and the increased risk of suicidality. Parents and guardians should also explain the rules and limits around technology use and work with young people to establish a plan that works for everyone.
The link between screen time and suicidality is concerning, and parents and guardians should take steps to set consistent limits on screen time, establish parental controls on devices, and have open and honest conversations. with young people about the dangers of too much screen time. By taking these steps, we can help their children develop healthy habits around screens and ensure their mental health and well-being.
Yaron Litwin is Marketing Director at canopy, a digital parenting tool to tackle harmful digital content for children and adolescents. He wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
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