Screens Aren’t the Villain: Why More Time Online Isn’t Ruining Teens

Is your teenager doomed because they spend hours on social media? You might be surprised. A massive study following twenty-five thousand teens found that hours scrolling or gaming didn't predict anxiety or depression.

Contrary to popular belief, increasing social media or gaming time from year to year had zero detrimental impact on mental health. What mattered was what teens did online and how they felt doing it. Passive doom-scrolling or comparing yourself to influencers hurts more than the minutes you spend on your phone.

Misconception Breaker: Blaming screens for every mood swing misses the real issue. Quality, context and emotional connection matter far more than the clock.

How-To Guide:

• Encourage purposeful online activities like learning a skill, creative expression or connecting with supportive communities.
• Set tech-free rituals at meals or bedtime to promote face-to-face bonding.
• Model mindful scrolling: ask yourself how you feel after each session and adjust accordingly.

Instead of confiscating devices, teach digital wisdom. When teens learn to choose nourishing content and balance screen life with real life, their mental health thrives.

Reference: UK study tracking 25,000 teenagers’ social media use and its relation to mental health, January 2026.