The Screen Time Scramble: Study Links Tech Exposure to Manic Symptoms in Pre-Teens, Experts Urge Balance

A concerning new study from the University of California, San Francisco, has ignited fresh debate over the appropriate levels of technology exposure for young children. The research suggests a potential link between increased screen time among pre-teens and the development of manic-like symptoms, raising alarms about the potential impact of the digital age on the mental health of future generations.

The study, published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, analyzed data from a large nationwide sample of 9,243 children aged 10 and 11 across the United States. The findings revealed a correlation between increased engagement with social media, texting, videos, and video games and the presence of behaviors characteristic of manic episodes. These behaviors included inflated self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity, all of which are recognized as key features of bipolar-spectrum disorders.

According to the study’s press release, these findings emphasize the critical need to establish healthy screen use habits early in life. Co-author Kyle Ganson, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, stressed the importance of future research to further elucidate the behaviors and brain mechanisms that connect screen use with manic symptoms. He believes this deeper understanding will be crucial in informing prevention and intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the potential risks.

The release of this study coincides with growing concerns about the impact of technology on children’s well-being, prompting calls for a renewed focus on digital wellness. In recognition of this increasing need, Verizon hosted its inaugural digital wellness summit in New York City on March 7, the Global Day of Unplugging. The summit aimed to provide the public with insights into the safe and responsible use of technology, particularly for young people.

Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, addressed the significance of setting digital boundaries, emphasizing that digital wellness should be a priority for all age groups. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by parents in navigating this uncharted territory, stating, "This digital age is new to us all. There’s no time in history we can reclaim how we handle that.”

In a subsequent interview with Fox News Digital, Sampath shared compelling statistics from Verizon’s 2024 Consumer Connections Report, highlighting the extent of children’s digital engagement. The report revealed that kids and teenagers spend an average of four to five hours daily on social media, bombarded with approximately 250 to 275 notifications. It also found that children touch and pick up their phones an astonishing 150 times per day, with a quarter of these instances occurring during school hours. These findings served as a catalyst for Verizon to promote a healthier relationship with technology.

Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, attending psychologist at Boston’s Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, also participated in the Verizon event, contributing to a panel discussion and providing a follow-up interview with Fox News Digital. Dr. Sinclair-McBride cautioned against children spending "hours and hours" of their free time on their phones, particularly given the potential exposure to cyberbullying and hate speech.

"We know that these are associated with depressive symptoms and other mental health concerns," she explained, while also acknowledging the positive aspects of social connection, learning, and entertainment that technology can provide. She emphasized the need for balance, noting that some social media apps are specifically "designed to keep you stuck" through algorithmic manipulation.

Dr. Sinclair-McBride warned that problematic technology use can lead to impaired functioning at school or work, negatively impact sleep patterns, and strain relationships. She advised parents to consider whether their children are able to live fulfilling lives and engage in activities they enjoy and need to do. If concerns arise in these areas, she suggested a reassessment of their technology habits.

She encouraged parents and grandparents to actively learn about the apps their children are using and to educate them on how to be "critical consumers" of content. This includes teaching children to identify scams, misinformation, and AI-generated content. Dr. Sinclair-McBride also emphasized the importance of parents modeling mindful technology use by slowing down and being more thoughtful about their own digital habits.

Sampath echoed this sentiment, urging adults to establish their own boundaries regarding phone use, whether it’s restricting phone usage in certain areas of the home or during specific times of the day. He offered practical advice for families to foster a healthier balance between technology and unplugged activities, suggesting activities such as going to the movies, taking walks, playing games, or simply spending quality time together in the kitchen.

"I think kids are going to have to be comfortable sometimes doing nothing… reading a book, just hanging out," Sampath stated. He emphasized that this ability to be content without constant digital stimulation is essential for establishing healthy boundaries and developing a positive relationship with technology. He also encouraged families to take advantage of outdoor spaces and physical activities, emphasizing the long-term mental health benefits of real-life experiences.

Dr. Sinclair-McBride reinforced this advice, advocating for spending time outdoors and engaging in tangible activities. “The time that people spend with digital technology needs to be balanced with real-life stuff, whether it’s sports, the arts, creative activities, reading, or actual hands-on, tangible things,” she said. She challenged the assumption that younger generations are solely interested in digital pursuits, emphasizing that "They still like other stuff, too. We have to give them options, space, and freedom to have that time.”

The UCSF study, coupled with expert commentary, underscores the urgent need for parents, educators, and policymakers to address the potential risks associated with excessive screen time among children and adolescents. While technology offers numerous benefits, striking a healthy balance between digital engagement and real-world experiences is crucial for promoting the mental and emotional well-being of future generations. By fostering mindful technology use, setting clear boundaries, and encouraging engagement in offline activities, families can navigate the digital landscape responsibly and safeguard the mental health of their children.