Screens, Teens & Mental Health - A Parent's guide
This week’s Let’s All Talk Mental Health session focused on a topic that resonates deeply with many families: teenagers and smartphone use. With insights led by consultant psychiatrist Dr. Nicky Kalk, the discussion explored the growing concerns around smartphone habits, their links to mental health, and practical strategies families can use to encourage healthier tech use.
Are Smartphones Really Addictive?
Dr. Kalk, whose research has contributed significantly to this area, shared that smartphone addiction isn’t just a buzzword - it may reflect real behavioural patterns. Her work in Problematic Smartphone Usage (PSU) highlights three key markers of addiction:
Loss of control – struggling to cut back even when trying.
Loss of interest – phone use taking precedence over other activities.
Tolerance and withdrawal – needing more time on the phone and feeling distressed when unable to access it.
These signs mirror other behavioural addictions and raise important questions about how deeply smartphones are embedded in teenage life.
What the Research Tells Us
A 2019 global review involving over 40,000 young people revealed that around 25% of teenagers worldwide show signs of PSU. This usage correlates with increased anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep - particularly when use occurs late at night.
Follow-up research in the UK confirmed these findings and added a hopeful twist: two-thirds of teens are already trying to manage their screen time, and 1 in 8 want support to reduce it. This indicates not just a problem, but also a growing self-awareness among young people.
Screen Time vs. Screen Use
A key takeaway from the session was the distinction between how long teenagers use their phones and how they use them. While excessive screen time - especially at night - can negatively affect sleep, it’s the compulsive, habitual use that’s more closely linked to mental health challenges.
Supporting Teens: What Families Can Do
Dr. Kalk emphasised that open conversations are more effective than bans or lectures. Families are encouraged to:
Create a family smartphone policy – rules that apply to everyone, such as no phones in bedrooms or during meals.
Introduce a digital bedtime – a set time when devices are switched off and put away.
Alarm clock – buy an actual alarm clock for their teen
Talk about values and habits – helping teens reflect on whether their phone use aligns with their personal goals.
Use community norms – just as public health campaigns helped reduce smoking, schools and communities can come together to shift expectations around screen time.
Paying Attention to Vulnerable Groups
The session also touched on the importance of individualised approaches. Teenagers with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD may be more susceptible to problematic use and may require tailored support.
Moving Forward Together
Smartphones are powerful tools, but like any tool, they require thoughtful use. The session concluded with a reminder: ongoing research, family dialogue, and community collaboration are all essential in helping teenagers build a healthier relationship with technology.
For families who are currently in a challenge with their young ones over their digital footprint, the key is balance - not banning. Share information with teens, negotiate boundaries, expect mistakes and offer support. It can help them establish how they want to participate, without becoming driven by it, and how they can protect their emotional well-being.