Researchers from the University of Toronto have found that 9-11-year-olds who spend more time on their phones have an increased risk of developing suicidality during adolescence. Research published in the journal preventive medicine.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. The study used data from the nationwide Study of Adolescent Cognitive Development (ABCD), the largest long-term study of brain development in the United States.
The study collected screen time data from nearly 12,000 children ages 9-11. They were followed for two years. It was assessed by questionnaires that children who spent more time on the phone were more suicidal after two years.
Additionally, every extra hour spent watching videos, playing video games, texting and video chatting resulted in a higher risk of suicidal behavior.
The authors noted that screen time can have significant educational and social benefits, so smartphone use should not be banned. However, parents should try to reduce negative mental health risks for children by regularly talking to children about screen use and giving children the example of healthy smartphone use themselves.
The scientists added that the study was done prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but their findings are particularly relevant now as teens’ mental health worsened during the pandemic and screen use nearly doubled.