I’m not an expert. I’m just a mom, a teacher, and someone who has spent a lot of time reading about this because, frankly, I see it every day. Our kids are different than we were. They’re more anxious, more disconnected, more medicated. They struggle to focus, they don’t play like we did, and they’re not as happy. And honestly? Every study I’ve come across seems to point to the same thing—screen time is wrecking them.
Now, before anyone jumps in—yes, technology has benefits. Yes, screens can be educational. And no, I’m not saying we should throw away every tablet and phone and live off the land. But what I am saying is that we need to have a real conversation about what this much screen time is doing to our kids’ brains, their happiness, their social skills, and their ability to function in the real world.
The Depression Connection
It’s no secret that kids today are struggling with their mental health. If you look at the data, depression and anxiety in children and teens have absolutely skyrocketed over the last couple of decades. And guess what else has skyrocketed? Screen time.
One study found that teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to develop depression (The REACH Institute). Another found that kids who spend too much time on screens have higher rates of emotional distress, lower self-esteem, and increased feelings of loneliness (PMC).
Why? Because social media and screen-based entertainment do a great job of making kids feel like they’re not enough. The filters, the curated posts, the constant comparison—it’s messing with their self-worth. They’re being raised in a world where their value is tied to likes and comments instead of real-life experiences and relationships.
They’re Losing the Ability to Socialize
When we were kids, we played. We ran around outside, we knocked on our friends’ doors, we rode bikes, built forts, and played ridiculous made-up games. Kids today? Not so much.
Instead, they’re glued to their screens. And because of that, they’re losing out on crucial social experiences that teach them how to read emotions, solve problems, and interact with other people. Kids who spend too much time on screens tend to struggle with things like eye contact, patience, and basic conversation skills (People). And it makes sense—if you don’t practice socializing, you’re going to have a hard time with it.
And here’s the worst part—when kids do finally hang out in person, they’re still on their phones. Have you seen a group of teens together lately? Half the time, they’re not even talking to each other. They’re sitting next to each other, staring at their screens.
Facebook and Social Media—The Turning Point
There’s a reason this problem didn’t exist before. Facebook launched in 2004. The iPhone came out in 2007. Instagram? 2010. TikTok? 2016.
Before that, kids weren’t glued to screens all day. They weren’t spending six, seven, even ten hours a day scrolling. They weren’t being raised in a world where everything they do is watched, judged, and compared.
Social media isn’t just a distraction—it’s an addiction. And it’s designed that way. The notifications, the infinite scrolling, the dopamine hits—it’s built to keep them hooked. And when kids spend that much time staring at screens, they’re not doing the things they actually need to be doing for their brains and bodies to develop properly.
Learning, Imagination, and the Rise of ADHD
Kids today don’t imagine like they used to. They don’t get bored anymore—because the second boredom hits, they grab a screen. And that’s a problem.
Boredom is where creativity happens. It’s where kids invent games, make up stories, and explore ideas. But when they never get the chance to be bored, they never develop those skills. Instead, their brains get used to instant gratification, flashy images, and constant stimulation.
And that might be part of why ADHD diagnoses are skyrocketing. More and more kids are being put on meds because they can’t sit still, can’t focus, and can’t handle normal classroom learning. Could it be that their brains have been rewired to expect fast, flashy, constantly-changing entertainment instead of the slower pace of real life? Studies suggest that yes, this might be happening (PMC).
What Can We Do?
So now that we’ve laid all this out—what’s the solution?
For Parents:
- Set boundaries. Make screen time limited and intentional.
- Encourage real-life play. Board games, Legos, nature walks—anything that isn’t a screen.
- Delay social media. Kids don’t need TikTok at 9 years old. Period.
- Be the example. If we’re glued to our phones, we can’t expect them to be any different.
For Schools:
- Less tech in the classroom. Not every lesson needs to be on an iPad.
- More recess, more hands-on learning. Kids learn best when they’re moving, interacting, and using all their senses.
- Phone-free policies. Schools that have banned phones see massive improvements in focus, behavior, and social skills (NY Post).
Homeschool vs. Traditional School
Homeschooling: One of the big benefits here is that screen time can be controlled much more easily. Parents can integrate technology when it’s helpful (like online lessons) but still make space for real-world learning, outdoor time, and imaginative play.
Traditional Schools: These come with more challenges, since screens are often used in the classroom. But schools CAN do more to limit non-essential screen time and encourage kids to be present and engaged.
It’s Not Too Late
The good news? We’re not powerless. We can make changes. We can create boundaries. We can encourage real play, real connection, and real experiences.
Because at the end of the day, kids don’t need more apps, more YouTube, or more virtual friends. They need us. They need childhood. And it’s our job to make sure they don’t lose it to a screen.
Sources & Studies:
- The REACH Institute: How Screens Impact Mental Health
- PMC Study: Screen Time and Emotional Health
- ADHD & Screen Time Connection
- NY Post: Schools Banning Phones See Big Improvements
- People: Kids Losing Social Skills Due to Screens
Want to discuss this more? Let’s talk. Because this is something we all need to get serious about.