Smartphones and social media are harming youth health : a comprehensive public health response is overdue

Abstract

The impact of smartphones and social media on child and adolescent health is profound, with evidence increasingly highlighting negative outcomes such as impaired cognitive and social development, mental health issues, and addiction. Excessive screen time and problematic social media use are linked to poor academic performance, disrupted sleep, depression, anxiety, and exposure to harmful content such as misinformation and cyberbullying. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to the developmental imbalance between heightened reward-seeking and still-maturing impulse control in their brains. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive public health approach involving four key domains: education, support services, user-focused legislation, and corporate regulation. Educational initiatives should promote digital literacy and online safety while campaigns can encourage behaviour change among children, parents, and educators. Support services for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues are crucial. User-focused legislation is needed to reduce screen time and restrict social media access for minors, including the use of age verification tools. Regulatory measures targeting tech companies, such as the EU Digital Services Act, are necessary to hold corporations accountable for their role in public health harms. To protect children’s well-being, a multifaceted strategy that combines education, supports, legal action, and corporate regulation is essential in mitigating the negative effects of technology use.