A new analysis from Weill Cornell Medicine and JAMA researchers has found that adolescents who display addictive patterns of social media, mobile phone, or video game use are two to three times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Importantly, the study notes that total screen time itself (how long kids are online) is less significant than how they use devices. Young people who struggle to disengage, or who feel compelled to check apps incessantly, are at far greater risk. The findings suggest we should shift our focus to patterns of use, not just screen duration, when assessing digital wellbeing.

A follow-up analysis from Columbia University reinforces the finding: total screen time doesn’t predict harm as strongly as addiction-like usage, where children cannot pause or reflect on usage. This points to a future where clinicians, schools, and technical tools focus on screen behaviour patterns, not just hours logged.

Weill Cornell Medicine -> Read more here