The heated debate over smartphones and adolescent mental health continues, fueled by conflicting research. To move forward, scientists and tech companies must collaborate to improve the quality of evidence.

Earlier this year, The Handbook of Children and Screens provided a comprehensive summary of studies on how digital media affects young people’s development. Compiled by nearly 400 specialists across 87 chapters, the book reflects the vast research on the subject. Yet, as highlighted in a recent News Feature, there remains no clear consensus on whether smartphones and social media are a primary driver of rising mental health issues among teenagers. This ongoing uncertainty signals that there is still much work to be done by both researchers and the technology industry.

The Debate Over Smartphones and Mental Health

Smartphones have profoundly reshaped the lives of young people worldwide. Parents, educators, and policymakers worry about their potential negative impact. These concerns have been amplified by cultural narratives, including Netflix’s hit series Adolescence, which has heightened fears about harmful online content. Given the complexities of the issue, it is crucial for scientists to communicate openly about the limitations of current evidence and to focus on research that can guide meaningful action.

The argument that smartphones and social media are driving an alarming rise in adolescent mental health disorders gained widespread attention with Jonathan Haidt’s bestselling book, The Anxious Generation. Haidt contends that the decline of real-world socialization and play—replaced by digital interactions—has fueled a “tidal wave” of adolescent mental illness since the early 2010s. However, many researchers dispute this claim.

While some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that social media can be addictive and distracting, experts agree that adolescent mental health is shaped by multiple factors, including genetics, family dynamics, and social environments. Digital technology undoubtedly plays a role, but its impact varies significantly depending on an individual’s background, online behaviors, and the content they consume.

For instance, a 2023 review linked exposure to self-harm content with increased risk of harmful behavior in some studies, yet mental health professionals note that many struggling teenagers have also found valuable support and community online.

The Challenges of Studying Technology’s Impact

Most research on the connection between social media and mental health relies on large-scale population studies. A review of 25 studies conducted between 2019 and 2021 found that most reported only weak or inconsistent links between social media use and adolescent well-being. Some researchers interpreted these associations as substantial, while others deemed them insignificant.

A key issue is that many studies suffer from methodological flaws. They often depend on self-reported screen time, which is notoriously unreliable. Additionally, they fail to differentiate between various online activities—whether teens are engaging in passive scrolling, educational tasks, or creative projects.

A Call for Better Research and Industry Cooperation

To gain clearer insights, scientists need more precise data on how young people use their devices. However, technology companies, that hold this data, are often reluctant to share it due to privacy and legal concerns. While protecting young users is paramount, there are ways to collaborate responsibly—allowing researchers access to anonymized datasets under strict ethical guidelines.

Researchers, for their part, must design more rigorous studies. One promising approach is adversarial collaboration, where experts with opposing viewpoints work together on studies designed to resolve key disputes. Involving teenagers, parents, and educators in shaping research questions could also improve both the quality of studies and public trust in their findings.

Addressing the Issue Without Waiting for Perfect Answers

While scientists work to untangle the complexities of screen time and mental health, practical solutions should not be put on hold. Many schools are now banning smartphones, creating a natural experiment to assess whether such policies enhance student well-being and academic performance. However, a recent study of 30 secondary schools in England found no evidence that phone restrictions reduced overall usage or improved mental health—suggesting that bans alone may not be a cure-all.

Since screens are deeply woven into young people’s daily lives—from school assignments to video calls with family—completely removing them is neither practical nor ethical. Instead, scientists could test smaller interventions. For example, one study could compare families who keep phones out of teenagers’ bedrooms at night with those who do not. Meanwhile, tech companies should collaborate with researchers to create social media platforms that encourage healthier online habits, such as making it easier for users to take breaks or log off.

Ultimately, the goal should be to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to use technology in a balanced way—fostering resilience, well-being, and informed decision-making. By achieving this, they may even end up teaching adults how to strike a healthier balance, too.