BNI Treatment Centers Uncovers How Excessive Screen Time Contributes to Teen Depression

Angoura Hills, CA – BNI Treatment Centers uncovers the science behind how excessive screen time contributes to teen depression. Many studies have been conducted on how technology influences mental health, especially in adolescents. One study from 2024 found that screen time correlated with more mental health symptoms as a whole in young adolescents. In that study, depression was the most prevalent. Another meta-analysis of multiple studies indicated that screen time was a predictor of depression symptoms, with the exact influence varying on age, gender, location in the world, and duration of screen time.

“Sufficient sleep, socialization, and learning resilience are vital for adolescents as they grow into young adults and learn to live for themselves. These factors all have a tremendous effect on mental health and the likelihood of developing depression. Screen time can disrupt all of this. Teens often stay up late using screens. The blue light they give off can hinder melatonin production, an important component of falling and staying asleep. Sleep deprivation denies the body and brain important hours to heal and grow, which is even worse for teens than adults. Sleep deprivation is also linked to depression in teens,” the blog post states.

Adolescents are more susceptible to comparing themselves to unrealistic standards on social media. This often leads to them experiencing feelings of inferiority and poor body image, which is most common in girls. These feelings increase the likelihood of depression. The Internet is also prone to making way for cyberbullying due to its anonymity. These actions are often crueler than what might happen in person. A study showed that teens who were victims of cyberbullying were twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms than those who weren’t. Without technology and the screens that are associated with it, cyberbullying wouldn’t be possible. Screens also discourage teens from interacting with their peers in person, which is important for their social development and mental health.

Most studies highlight a correlation between depression and screen time, not causation. While screen time might cause more depressive symptoms in teens, depression can also influence screen time. Teens who are experiencing depression are more likely to stay in their rooms and withdraw from the outside world. This might lead to them retreating to the internet as they find interaction and entertainment there easier than in person. Mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching their favorite shows might be an easy activity to occupy themselves with while avoiding everything that feels boring, sad, or challenging.

Parents can decrease their teen’s screen time by developing a “screen time contract,” which lays out boundaries and rules about screen usage. Some things parents should consider when setting these rules about technology include limiting screen time hours, implementing screen-free times during the day, limiting the frequency of their teen checking their notifications, their teen’s support system, and leading by example.

“If your teen is managing depression, it likely won’t go away by reducing screen time alone. More in-person social connections and better sleep will certainly help, but they may need teen depression treatment. There, they will receive therapy to work through their concerns, heal, and build a brighter future,” the blog post continues.

BNI Treatment Centers is located on Lobo Canyon Rd and provides mental health services for teens in the community. It is a psychiatrist-led team, which means psychiatrists see patients almost every day and are better equipped to manage medications than at other places. The center also educates teens who are missing school to attend treatment and can help with complex diagnoses.

For more information about BNI Treatment Centers, call them at (888) 522-1504 or visit their website today.

BNI Treatment Centers: Science-based, evidence-backed, compassion-led.