JAMA

Addictive screen use tied to suicide risk, mental health issues in early adolescents

June 19, 2025

Study details: This cohort study analyzed data from 4,285 children (mean age, 10) in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study across 21 U.S. sites (2016–2022). Using validated self-reports, researchers identified trajectories of addictive use of social media, mobile phones, and video games over three years. Outcomes included suicidal ideation and behaviors (via Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia [KSADS]) and internalizing/externalizing symptoms (via Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]).

Results: Three distinct trajectories emerged for social media and mobile phone use, and two for video games. Nearly one third of participants showed increasing addictive use starting around age 11. Both high and increasing trajectories were significantly associated with elevated risks of suicidal behaviors (e.g., risk ratio, 2.14–2.39) and worse mental health. Notably, baseline total screen time wasn't predictive of outcomes. High video game use was most associated with internalizing symptoms, while increasing social media use was associated with externalizing symptoms.

Clinical impact: Clinicians should prioritize identifying patterns of compulsive screen use over total screen time. Early detection of increasing or high-use trajectories may offer critical opportunities for intervention to mitigate suicide risk and mental health deterioration in adolescents.

Source:

Xiao Y, et al. (2025, June 18). JAMA. Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40531519/