Researchers at the University of Toronto identified a link between extended smartphone use among 9 to 11 year olds and a higher risk of experiencing suicidality during adolescence. The finding appeared in a study published in Preventive Medicine. Suicide stands as a leading cause of death among young people, highlighting the urgent need to understand all contributing factors and to support families and schools in fostering healthy routines around digital devices.
The investigation leveraged data from a large, ongoing U.S. study focused on brain development called the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. This program tracks thousands of youths over many years to understand how growing up affects health, behavior, and cognition. The Toronto team examined screen time patterns within this framework to explore potential long-term consequences for mental health.
Children in the study ranged in age from 9 to 11 at the outset. They were followed for a period of two years, with information on screen use collected through questionnaires completed by caregivers and by the youths themselves. The researchers found that higher daily time spent on smartphones correlated with an increased likelihood of reporting suicidal thoughts, intent, or behaviors as they entered adolescence.
Beyond general phone use, the analysis revealed that each additional hour spent on activities such as watching video content, playing games, texting, or engaging in video chats was associated with a higher risk of suicidal behavior later on. These associations remained consistent even after controlling for a range of demographic and health factors, underscoring the potential mental health implications of prolonged screen time during critical developmental years.
Importantly, the authors emphasize that screen time is not inherently harmful or something to be entirely avoided. It can offer educational benefits, social connection, and entertainment when used in balanced ways. The message for families is not to ban devices outright but to promote mindful usage. Consistent, open conversations about how children use their devices, alongside modeling healthy patterns by parents and caregivers, can help reduce potential risks while preserving the positive aspects of digital life.
The researchers note that the study was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, a period characterized by widespread shifts in daily routines and technology use. Yet the findings gain new relevance as many youths experienced increased screen time and worsened mental health during the pandemic, followed by continued changes in digital behavior as schools and activities resumed normal schedules. These dynamics suggest that careful monitoring of screen use remains an important consideration for caregivers, educators, and health professionals alike, particularly when children face stress, social pressures, or sleep disruption that can amplify mental health challenges. In this context, ongoing research is needed to better understand how types of screen activities, content quality, and the context of use influence well being over time, and to identify practical guidelines that families can apply in diverse settings. The overarching goal is to support resilient youth who can benefit from digital tools while minimizing potential harms, with attention to cultural, regional, and socioeconomic differences that shape access and experiences with technology. At the same time, clinicians and schools are encouraged to integrate evidence into programs that promote digital literacy, healthy routines, and supportive conversations about mental health as part of comprehensive adolescent care. Citations for these findings include the University of Toronto researchers and collaborators, with the results reported in Preventive Medicine and attributed to the broader ABCD study framework that tracks adolescent development across the United States.