High video game use had the largest relative difference in internalizing symptoms while increasing social media addictive use had the largest difference for externalizing symptoms.
Addictive screen use, rather than overall screen time, is more strongly associated with negative mental health outcomes and suicide-related behaviors among adolescents, according to findings from an article published in JAMA.
Researchers performed a longitudinal analysis of 4285 youth aged 9–10 years from the US-based Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. They used validated self-report questionnaires and advanced statistical modeling to identify trajectories of addictive screen use, defined by compulsive behaviors, difficulty disengaging, and emotional distress when not using devices, across platforms such as social media, mobile phones, and video games.
Three major patterns of use were identified: persistently high, moderately increasing, and low. By age 11, nearly 1 in 3 adolescents exhibited an increasing trajectory of addictive screen use, which was significantly associated with greater risks of internalizing (eg, anxiety, depression) and externalizing (eg, conduct problems) symptoms, as well as suicide-related outcomes.
The researchers found that these associations remained significant even after adjusting for total screen time, which by itself showed no clear link to suicide-related or broader mental health outcomes. This distinction highlights a crucial conceptual shift. That is, not all screen time is equally harmful, and the context and quality of use are more predictive of risk than the time spent alone, especially when it becomes compulsive. High addictive use of video games was linked to the largest increases in internalizing symptoms, while moderately increasing use of social media was most associated with externalizing behaviors.
Moving forward, targeted policies and interventions, including stronger parental involvement and better age verification measures on social media, are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with screen addiction.
The study’s implications extend beyond clinical practice to public policy. Since most social media platforms limit access to users aged 13 and above, the fact that 63.8% of younger adolescents report using social media before age 13 raises concerns about how platforms enforce age restrictions and verify users’ ages. Based on the findings, the researchers called for stronger digital safeguards, more nuanced family media plans, and greater parental oversight, especially regarding screen use during meals and bedtime.
Furthermore, disparities in addictive screen use were observed across subgroups, with higher rates among sexual and gender minority youth, who may be using screens to seek connection and identity-affirming communities.
The study authors concluded, “Moving forward, targeted policies and interventions, including stronger parental involvement and better age verification measures on social media, are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with screen addiction.”
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
High video game use had the largest relative difference in internalizing symptoms while increasing social media addictive use had the largest difference for externalizing symptoms.
