HealthDay (3/13, Solomon) reported a systemic review and meta-analysis of 153 studies found that “digital media use is consistently associated with risks to child and adolescent mental health and development globally.” The researchers observed that “social media use was associated with higher depression, externalizing and internalizing behaviors, self-injurious thoughts, problematic internet use, and substance use. There were also negative associations with lower academic achievement, poorer self-perception, and less positive development.” Additionally, “there was an association between video gaming and higher aggression and externalizing behaviors and higher attention/executive functioning. Digital device use and messaging/communication media were associated with depression.” The review was published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Related Links:
— “Digital Media Tied to Risks for Child, Adolescent Mental Health and Development,”Lori Solomon, HealthDay, March 13, 2026