Created by WellHubs

Here you will learn:

  • What are the negative effects
  • Why screens could be hurting our kids mental health
  • As a parent, what can you do?

Mental Health

Screen Time

and

A Guide for Parents

How much time are kids and teens spending on screens daily?

Average Recreational Screen Time by Age Group:

Studies Show Too Much Screen

Time Has Been Linked to:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Lower life satisfaction
  • Sleep problems
  • Lower grades
  • Weight problems
  • Mood Problems
  • Poor self-image & Body image issues
  • Less time for other beneficial activities.

Results

Are In!

Kids/Teens Can Be Exposed to Information, Images, and Videos That Can Negatively Effect Mental Health:

  • Cyberbullying/Negativity - According to Pew Research, in 2022 46% of teens reported at least one form of cyberbullying. 38% recieved hurtful/mean comments.
  • Even if the comments aren't directly at the child/teen, they can still read this negative about others.
  • Comparison: Kids/Teens can also compare themselves to or imitate what they see online. This can lead to feeling bad about their appearance, body image issues, feeling "lesser than," or leading them to imitating poor behavior.

It's not that screens are "bad" -- but more about what kids/teens are exposed to and what screens are taking the place of.

Opportunity Costs of Screens

There is something called, "opportunity cost" which basically means, if you are spending your time on one thing, you are missing out on the opportunities to do other things. So if kids and teens are spending a lot of their time on screens now, what are the

things it's taking the place of?

There are 3 things that

have proven to be very

beneficial to mental health.

Let's look at each and think

about how screen time

might be effecting them.

3 Things Needed for Strong Mental Health That Are Being Replaced By Screens...

Sleep

1

Sleep Is Critical for Kids/Teens

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics states that adequate sleep improves attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and physical health.
  • Recommended sleep amounts: 6-12 year olds 9-12 hours per night. 13-18 year olds 8-10 hours per night.
  • Chronic lack of sleep in children and teens is associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health, and attention and behavior problems.

Problem: Kids/Teens are trading sleep for screens

Solution: Power down screens at least 1 hr before bed. Have a central charging location outside of the bed room.

Physical Activity

2

According to the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and American Psychological Association (APA), regular physical activity has proven benefits for mental health, including:

  • Reduces Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression - Exercise boosts endorphins and serotonin, improving mood and reducing stress.
  • Improves Self-Esteem - Achieving physical goals builds confidence and self-worth.
  • Enhances Cognitive Function - Physical activity improves focus, memory, and academic performance.
  • Supports Better Sleep - Active kids tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep.
  • Regulates Energy and Emotions - Movement helps manage hyperactivity and emotional outbursts. WHO

Physical Activity

2

The problem: Kids and teens are substituting physical activity for screens. It's easy to get "sucked into screens" and feel less motivated to get active.

It can also lead to mood swings and acting out when parents turn off or pull them away from screens.

The Solution: Have your child be required to have at least 1 hour of heart pumping physical activity each day before any recreational screen time.

If they are going to want screens in the morning (like on a weekend), then make sure they completed their physical activity the day before, along with any chores in order to earn the screens the following morning. Also, set limits on how much screen time that morning.

Continued...

Social Interaction

3

While digital communication offers convenience, it often lacks the depth and emotional richness of in-person connections. Face-to-face social interaction plays a critical role in teen mental health, offering protective benefits that digital communication cannot fully replicate. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, AAP, CDC, Mayo Clinic, and WHO, these benefits include:

  • Reduced Risk of Depression and Anxiety - Teens who regularly interact in person report lower levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression compared to those with primarily online communication.
  • Builds Emotional Intelligence - Face-to-face communication helps teens read body language, develop empathy, and practice emotional regulation.

Social Interaction

3

  • Improves Self-Esteem - Positive social experiences with peers contribute to a teen’s sense of belonging and self-worth.
  • Strengthens Coping Skills - In-person friendships provide emotional support that helps teens manage stress and navigate challenges.
  • Encourages Health Habits - Face-to-face interactions often take place during active, shared experiences (e.g., sports, clubs), promoting physical and mental wellness.

Solution: Make a pack with friends to have screen free time. Even if there is uncomfortable silence, avoid reaching for a phone. Instead, learn to work through bordeom and use it as a fuel for other conversations and/or activity.

Continued...

Creating Rules & Structure...

Creating clear screen time rules at home and setting limits on your child’s personal devices isn’t just about controlling tech use—it’s about protecting their mental well-being.

As you can see with this inforation, too much screen time, especially without boundaries, can have negative effects on the mental health of our kids and teens. Prioritize face-to-face connection, outdoor play, and screen-free family time to help your child thrive emotionally and mentally.

Your guidance matters.

Check out our screen time

structure guide to learn best

practices to create the

structure within your

household.

What Can Parents Do?

Sources:

WHO: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437

American Academy of Pediatrics: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/

e20162593/60349/Children-and-Adolescents-and-Digital-Media?autologincheck=redirected

U.S. Surgeon General: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf