Cellphones and Mental Health: Is There a Connection?
Last September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation giving state school districts two years to begin banning or restricting cell phone use during school hours. This initiative is intended to address growing concerns about the negative impacts of cyberbullying and smartphones on the mental health of children.
For example, a study released last April by the Pew Research Center found that 72 percent of high school teachers and 33 percent of middle school teachers consider cellphone distractions a “major problem.”
Additionally, the U.S. Surgeon General has called for social media platforms to carry warning labels like those on cigarettes and other addictive consumer products.
There are varying opinions about the effectiveness of cellphone bans, and research is limited. However, a recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation sheds light on the connection between cellphone use and mental health among youth. Here are some kind findings:
1. Youth often use cellphones to access social media, and social media is linked to poor mental health.
In 2023, a survey of adolescents found that 51% reported using social media for at least four hours per day. Social media use is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression, exposure to harmful content and sleep issues. Additionally, it results in body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, especially among girls. However, social media use among youth can also be beneficial as it allows for self-expression, finding communities with shared interests and accessing mental health resources.
2. Approximately nine in ten public schools report occurrences of cyberbullying among students.
Cyberbullying – a form of bullying through technological devices, including cellphones – is associated with social and emotional distress, depression and suicidal ideation among youth. Also, it is more often experienced by female and sexual minority youth compared to their peers. In 2023, 16% of high school students reported electronic bullying, with higher incidences among LGBTQ+ and female adolescents. Technological devices can also be used to create and spread digitally altered pornographic content without consent, which primarily targets females.
3. Excessive cellphone use can distract from in-person socialization and is associated with loneliness in adolescents.
Early adolescence (11–14 years) is a sensitive period in life, marked by significant cognitive and physical changes, as well as changes in social and emotional development. These developmental shifts could make young adolescents especially vulnerable to mental health issues. Establishing and building relationships with peers can contribute to youth well-being and have a positive effect on those experiencing adversity. Cellphones cause distractions that could interfere with healthy peer relationship-building.
4. Approximately 40% of public schools report moderate to severe negative impacts on student learning and on teacher and staff morale when students use their electronic devices without permission.
Many teachers report that students being distracted with their cellphones is a major problem in their classrooms and that enforcing cellphone restrictions is challenging. The presence of smartphones also may reduce cognitive capacity, especially for adolescents who are those highly addicted to using them. Cellphone notifications can disrupt a student’s focus and attention, hindering academic performance.
While evidence on the outcomes of school cellphone bans is limited, there is widespread concern about the harmful effects of cellphone use on the mental health and wellbeing of young people. While policies differ dramatically across the country, there is widespread consensus that more must be done to protect children’s mental health.
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