“It’s because you’re always on that damn phone!” is a phrase that many teens hear all too often. But do your parents actually have a point? Absolutely.
In our age of AI and rampant social media use, most teens juggle multiple accounts, mindlessly doom scrolling for hours each day on YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. With AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini now part of their social media experience, efforts are being made to curb usage. A study from JAMA Pediatrics reveals that teens aren’t just quickly glances at their texts; on average, they spend 1.5 hours on their phones every school day, with a staggering 25% logged in for over two hours during class.
As of the 2025-2026 school year, 20 U.S. states, D.C., and the Virgin Islands have completely banned personal phones and devices during instructional periods. Australia has gone even further, prohibiting children under 16 from using social media nationwide.
So, why is this a pressing issue?
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory titled Social Media and Youth Mental Health, which provides compelling evidence that social media harms mental health. Between ages 10 and 19, the brain undergoes significant development, making it a critical period for youth.
A study of American teens aged 12 to 15 concluded that those spending over three hours daily on social media were twice as likely to experience mental health issues, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. The findings also indicated that constant social media use heightens risks related to body image and eating disorders, cyberbullying, and poor sleep quality.
Dr. Linda Mayes, chair of the Yale Child Study Center, has raised concerns about the harmful algorithms on social media platforms. If a teen primarily engages with car-related content on TikTok, for example, the app learns and bombards them with more car videos. If that same teen seeks information about depression, their feed could quickly fill up with content discussing the topic, potentially leading them to believe that everyone around them is struggling with similar issues. “Soon they may begin to think that everyone around them is depressed or thinking about suicide, which is not necessarily good for mental health,” said Mayes.
While TikTok and other social platforms can foster a sense of community, they also pose significant risks. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that 58% of participants felt social media helps teens feel more accepted, while 80% believe it connects them with friends and their lives.
However, with social media's accessibility, teens are easily exposed to harmful content. Dangerous trends and risky challenges can escalate quickly, as can discussions around suicide and self-harm. Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to such content can normalize harmful behaviors among teens.
Ultimately, social media isn’t the enemy. Teens can navigate the digital landscape safely as long as they keep their accounts private—devoid of personal information—and remain cautious when engaging with content and users, they can enjoy the benefits of social media. However, it wouldn’t hurt the teens of America to put down the phone once in a while and touch grass.