Addictive Screen Use in Youth: What the Latest JAMA Study Reveals About Mental Health Risks
By Katharine De Santos, MA RP
Clinical Director, Healthy Minds Psychotherapy
An interesting new study published in JAMA sheds light on a growing concern among parents, educators, and mental health professionals: the link between addictive screen use and rising mental health issues in youth.
While much of the public conversation has focused on “too much screen time,” this longitudinal study—tracking over 4,000 youth aged 10 to 14—reveals a more nuanced and concerning truth.
It’s Not Just Screen Time—It’s Addictive Use
The study found that total screen time alone was not associated with poor mental health outcomes. Instead, addictive patterns of screen use—like compulsive checking, using to escape problems, or distress when not using—were strongly linked to:
2–3x higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Increased anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues
It's not just about how much time they spend—but how their use changes over time and whether it becomes more compulsive or hard to control.
Addictive Use Starts Early—Often Before High School
By age 11, nearly:
1 in 2 youth had high or increasing addiction-like use of mobile phones
1 in 3 showed similar trajectories with social media
Boys in particular were at higher risk for problematic video game use
The earlier we start supporting healthy screen habits, the better—ideally before the teen years begin.
Youth from Marginalized Backgrounds Are Disproportionately Affected
Addictive screen use patterns were more common among youth from:
Racialized communities
Lower-income households
Families with less access to educational and support resources
This shows why it’s so important to have mental health support that understands different cultures and life situations—both in schools and in the community.
What Can We Do?
As mental health professionals, parents, and educators, we can:
Shift the focus from screen time to screen use patterns (look for signs of compulsive use)
Start conversations early—around age 10
Promote digital literacy and emotional regulation skills
Support advocacy for systemic, culturally attuned interventions in schools and public health
Take a look at our parent/guardian tip sheet for some of the strategies you can use.