Teenage screen addiction is becoming an increasingly alarming concern among mental health experts. Research has shown that excessive screen time can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies in young people.
A recent study by the World Health Organization found that 11% of minors believe their lives are substantially altered by screens, while 32% are at risk of developing problematic use, which affects their daily lives, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. The Control Z platform has launched an initiative to address digital hyper-connection and enlisted the help of neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to raise awareness about the risks.
Mental health experts warn that children’s exposure to screens at a young age can compromise mental and emotional development, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Eating disorders and insufficient self-esteem are also common consequences of screen addiction, particularly among young women. The act of self-harm can provide temporary relief from intense emotions, but it can have severe consequences for both the individual and those close to them.
Experts agree that screen addiction is a form of self-medication, leading to avoidance of healthier coping mechanisms such as talking to parents, seeking therapy, or engaging in exercise. This can make recovery even more challenging. The World Health Organization’s study highlights the need for responsible technology use among young people and families to prevent these negative consequences.
As Abigail Huertas, a childhood and adolescence psychiatrist, notes: “We are living in unprecedented times where adolescents have advanced ability to identify emotional malaise without shame or stigma, but we lack an adult society that can offer sufficient emotional support.” The study’s findings emphasize the importance of addressing screen addiction and promoting healthy technology use among teenagers.
Source: https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-07-27/depression-anxiety-and-self-harm-the-extreme-consequences-of-teenage-screen-addiction.html