The Impact of Phones and Social Media on Teen Mental Health

Phones and social media apps have become a significant part of young people's lives, but concerns about bullying and declining mental health have emerged. While there is mixed evidence regarding the relationship between social media use and mental health, studies have found a negative correlation between social media use and well-being. However, the impact of phones and social media on mental health is heavily individualized, with different experiences for different individuals. Research is focusing on understanding who benefits and who is most at risk. Moving forward, it is important to move beyond the concept of screen time and consider how screens are being used and what content young people are exposed to.