Do screens cause depression in teenagers? These are the findings you didn't think of

A new study analyzing 37 studies and about 80,000 young people found a very weak link between social media use and anxiety and depression. Screen time explained less than 1% of the variance in symptoms. The researchers call for examining additional factors.

A comprehensive new study, analyzing data from 37 studies involving about 80,000 young people aged 10-24 from 15 countries, found a very weak link between social media use and anxiety and depression. Screen time explained less than 1% of the variance in symptoms. Only one out of 37 studies was experimental and showed a benefit in limiting use to one hour per day, and only for young people with high pre-existing depression. The researchers emphasize that other factors such as academic pressures, social inequality, and climate anxiety should be examined. The conclusion: limiting screens alone is not a solution to the youth mental health crisis.