US EditionTweens Always on Phones at Greater Risk of Mental Health Issues: Study
A study of over 8,000 US adolescents links addiction-like screen use to increased risks of depression, sleep issues, suicidal behaviors, and substance initiation one year later.
- On February 12, 2026, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine published new research reporting problematic use of mobile phones, social media, and video games among US early adolescents ages 11–12.
- Screen use rises rapidly during early adolescence , a critical period when mental health, sleep problems and substance use often begin to emerge, prompting focus on problematic, addiction-like patterns to address gaps flagged by the US Surgeon General.
- Problematic mobile phone and social media use were linked to higher depressive symptoms, conduct problems, suicidal behaviors, sleep disturbance, and substance initiation one year later, while video game use showed stronger ties to suicidal ideation and sleep disruptions.
- The results underpin the necessity of interventions tailored to early adolescents, a critical period for psychological vulnerabilities, and researchers say these findings could shape health policy and clinical practice.
- Researchers analyzed over 8,000 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, finding stronger links than prior screen-time research and urging digital platforms and families to reduce addictive features.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Addictive Social Media Habits in Early Adolescence Linked to Mental Health Issues: Study
A massive new study is shedding light on problematic screen use and the mental health of U.S. adolescents — with worrisome findings. The findings, published Thursday in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, show that the links between problematic screen use and mental health are stronger than previously reported, highlighting the risks of addictive use. “Problematic screen use is when kids can’t control their time online, even if th…
New research, this time with more than 8,000 teenagers, found that problematic use of cell phones, social networks and video games increases mental health problems in 11 and 12 year olds
Addictive digital habits in early adolescence linked to mental health struggles, study finds
New research following US adolescents aged 11–12 shows that problematic use of mobile phones, social media, and video games was associated with higher risks of mental health problems, sleep disturbance, and suicidal behaviors one year later. The study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reveals that the links between problematic screen use and mental health are stronger than those previously reported for overall screen time and highl…
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BIOENGINEER.ORGStudy Finds Early Adolescent Addictive Digital Habits Tied to Mental Health
A groundbreaking study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has unveiled critical insights into the psychological and behavioral ramifications of problematic screen use among early adolescents in the United States. This extensive longitudinal research tracked a cohort of youths aged 11 to 12 over a one-year period, emphasizing the intensity and nature of their interactions with mobile phones, social media, and video games. Im…
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