New JAMA Study Links Addictive Use to Teen Mental Health Risks
A groundbreaking new study in JAMA has uncovered a troubling trend among U.S. teens: it’s not just screen time—but addictive screen use—that may be fueling serious mental health risks, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
The research, led by Dr. Yunyu Xiao and colleagues, tracked over 10,000 adolescents for seven years. It revealed that teens with high and persistent levels of addictive screen use—characterized by compulsive scrolling, gaming, and social media binges—were significantly more likely to report depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and even suicide attempts.
What sets this study apart? It focuses on how teens use screens, not just how much. Moderate screen time wasn’t the issue. Instead, it was the loss of control, social withdrawal, and emotional reliance on screens that raised red flags.
Why it matters: As smartphones and social platforms become extensions of daily life, this research urges parents, educators, and policymakers to look beyond screen time limits. It’s time to ask: Is the screen using them?
Let’s move the conversation from screen time to screen habits, because when digital habits become addictions, young lives may be at stake.
Source:
Xiao Y, Meng Y, Brown TT, et al. Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths. JAMA. Published online June 18, 2025.