Social media, video game, and smartphone use in kids and teens has risen, and there’s a growing chorus of concerns about screen time’s link to mental health concerns. It's prompted legislation including phone bans in some schools.

The focus is often on the “time” part. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against any screen time other than video chats for infants and young toddlers and limited use with adult co-viewing for young kids.

But a new JAMA study suggests that it’s less about the time a child or teen spends on screens and more about whether technology use has become addictive.

“Those who described feeling addicted to their devices were at a significantly higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors," says Zishan Khan, MD, a psychiatrist with Mindpath Health, who was not part of the study. "That distinction is critical. It helps us focus on quality and function of use over quantity.”

Experts break down the study and share how parents can work to protect children from screen time addiction.

Researchers in the new JAMA study looked at more than 4,200 U.S. adolescents, with an average age of 10, to look for a link between addictive screen use and suicidal behavior or ideation, and other mental health concerns. The authors followed the children for a period of four years.

About one-third had become more addicted to social media by age 14. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter showed an uptick in signs of mobile phone addiction. More than 40% showed more symptoms of addiction to video games. Addictive use of screens was linked to higher mental health risks, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

“The problem wasn’t just screen time itself," explains Amy Todey, PhD, a psychologist with a private practice in Atlanta. "Rather, kids' emotional reactions and feelings of dependence—feeling unable to stop, needing more to feel good, or becoming irritable without it—were more correlated with addiction.”

However, the study has some limitations. Ioana Pal, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at Stramski Children’s Development Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, California, points out there's no inclusion of other issues that might also cause mental health concerns in the children, such as family and life circumstances, previous mental health issues, or compulsive tendencies outside of screen use.

A follow-up study that includes these factors would be helpful “to determine whether or not children with specific developmental profiles are more likely to make up the 30% or 40% of the kids found to have escalating social media, mobile, or video game use," adds Dr. Pal.

The authors also don’t provide a comprehensive definition for screen time addiction—something that’s still being debated, shares James Sherer, MD, the deputy chief medical officer and addiction medicine director at Carrier Clinic in New Jersey.

Still, screen addiction is a real problem that can negatively impact a child. Dr. Sherer shares that there are some commonly accepted signs of technology addiction, including:

While addictive behavior may be predictive of mental health concerns, Dr. Pal still urges parents to be mindful of setting time limits. Increased time can heighten the chances a child or teen develops addictive behaviors (and mental health issues). She stresses that children are especially vulnerable because their ability to appreciate the value of delayed gratification and develop executive functioning skills, such as planning and organizing, isn’t fully developed yet.

“Much like other types of addiction, screen time is the drug and children who chase the thrill or escape that screen time offers end up experiencing mental health problems like anxiety, depression, obsessions, poor anger management, and suicidal ideation," says Dr. Pal.

Even though screens are a part of life, experts stress screen time addiction doesn’t need to be. They share tips for helping children use screens in moderation.

Let your kid know that screen addiction can become a problem.

"Talking openly about what addiction is and how it can affect anyone at any time is not only educational but also creates opportunities for children to notice such behaviors in their peers and help someone else,” Dr. Pal says. “Talking openly about the consequences of addiction also inserts mini-conversations about problem-solving coping strategies, compulsive patterns, and time management skills.”

Dr. Pal recommends learning more about specific games or apps your child wants to use before letting them use them. Find out ratings, read reviews, and familiarize yourself with the users on them.

"Talk to other parents and find out if their children are playing a particular game, for how long, and what the results have been," adds Dr. Pal.

With video games, parents might take a literal hands-on approach—rolling up their sleeves and giving this “big-deal” game a try, watching closely how the kid reacts during play.

“Many parents do not have time to do this, but if they can, it allows them to engage in an activity their child likes, and it allows for more communication and hopefully closeness,” Dr. Pal says. “Parents can problem-solve with their children and can better understand what their children may need.”

Regardless, Dr. Pal stresses that it’s essential to familiarize yourself with and implement parental controls available through games and apps.

Dr. Khan suggests collaborating with children to create boundaries rather than laying down the hammer with rules.

“Children are far more likely to stick to screen time limits if they feel heard and involved in the process,” Dr. Khan says. “Rather than imposing rigid rules, try sitting down with your child to co-create a ‘tech agreement.’ Ask them how much time they think is reasonable for games or social media, and negotiate limits that work for both of you. This builds trust and teaches self-regulation, rather than just obedience.”

That said, you’re still the parent and have a final say (and you’re allowed to change your mind). But Dr. Pal says providing the reason for your “no, “not right now,” or “we’re pivoting” is useful.

There’s a whole world offline that kids can tap into, but they may need a push.

“When screen time becomes addictive, it often fills a void—whether it’s boredom, social isolation, or low self-esteem,” Dr. Khan says. “Help your child reconnect with hobbies, physical activity, or social opportunities that bring them genuine joy offline.”

You might use their online interests as a springboard. 

“If they’re into gaming, consider enrolling them in coding classes,” Dr. Khan says. “If they love TikTok, maybe a drama club or video production class is a good fit. The idea is to shift the focus from just ‘less screen’ to ‘more life.’”

Screen time is a societal concern—not one that parents must solve on their own, only for their children.

"Preventing screen time problems will require a broader shift in the culture of your children’s school and community,” Dr. Todey says. “That’s why researchers are calling for parents to band together in communities to agree upon how they will manage screens collectively.”

For instance, Dr. Todey shares that you might get together with the parents of your eighth grader's friend group and agree to delay smartphone use or social media access until the teens turn 16. Dr. Todey recently learned of a family who decided to provide children with landline phone access—remember that?—to communicate and coordinate meet-ups while delaying smartphone use.  

The word “addiction” can be laced with shame and stigma for parents and kids. However, experts urge giving everyone grace and keeping an open mind.

“Addictive screen use can often be a signal that your child is struggling emotionally,” Dr. Khan says. “Rather than punishing or shaming, approach the issue with curiosity and compassion. Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What does being online do for you?’ or ‘When do you feel like you need to be on your phone.’”

If you do think your child has an addiction—or is headed in that direction—Dr. Khan suggests involving a mental health professional. “Early intervention can make a world of difference,” he says.