Children and technology: how early screen exposure is fueling mental health concerns

In recent years, growing concern has emerged over children's and teenagers' increased access to technology, including smartphones, social media, television, tablets, and video games.

Constant early exposure to technology is causing increased self-esteem and self-perception issues, with a recent study from the Journal of Pediatrics finding that "owning a smartphone during early adolescence is associated with increased risks of mental health issues and obesity."

Mackenzie Westover, AMFT, Clinical Therapist I at Loma Linda University Behavioral Health, says that without appropriate guidance and boundaries, children may be exposed to pressures and content they are not emotionally equipped to process.

"This is especially concerning because children are still developing physically and emotionally, yet they are being influenced every time they use their tech," Westover says.

The role of parental supervision and intentional involvement, such as monitoring screen time, discussing what children see online, and setting healthy limits, can help buffer the negative impacts of technology and support healthier self-esteem during these formative years.

The risks of too much exposure

Some of the most common issues related to heavy screen use include body image concerns and disordered eating, obesity, sleep disorders, and isolation.

Body image and disordered eating

Disordered eating and body image concerns can develop in children and teens regardless of whether they have access to technology. However, smartphones and social media can significantly intensify these issues by amplifying exposure and reinforcing harmful comparisons.

"Social media presents a narrow and unrealistic ideal of how bodies 'should' look," Westover says.

"When those ideals become normalized online, young people may feel pressure to change their appearance, sometimes leading to body dysmorphia or disordered eating."

Obesity

Long hours of screen time can contribute to mindless snacking, which can lead to weight gain.

"Emotional eating plays a significant role for many teens as food can become a coping mechanism for stress, judgment, or feeling misunderstood," Westover says.

When teens don't feel supported or heard, they may turn to eating for comfort, often in private, making the behavior harder to recognize and address.

Westover warns that addressing teen obesity requires more than focusing on diet or exercise alone.

"Parents should try to understand emotional and social factors that influence how teens relate to food and their bodies."

Sleep disorders

Teens with smartphones or regular access to technology often experience poorer sleep than those without. The effects of sleep deprivation during adolescence can be significant despite the common belief among teens that they can function well on just a few hours of rest.

"When teens don't get enough sleep, it can lead to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and reduced ability to stay present at school or in social settings," Westover explains.

"Over time, this lack of rest can interfere with learning, emotional regulation, and overall cognitive functioning."

Additionally, teens who are overtired may overeat in an attempt to compensate for low energy levels, which can reduce motivation and make teens less likely to engage socially, weakening important connections with peers.

Doomscrolling and isolation

Doomscrolling ties together many of the concerns surrounding technology use in young people, including poor sleep, sedentary behavior, mindless eating, and constant exposure to unrealistic comparisons.

Over time, doomscrolling, sitting, and eating can become normalized and automatic.

"While harmless in moderation, it can evolve into a constant habit when combined with endless content and algorithms designed to keep users engaged," Westover says. "Doomscrolling becomes less of a conscious choice and more of a default behavior."

For teens who lack strong social connections, they may turn to online content because it feels familiar, relatable, and safe. However, when this becomes a primary coping mechanism, it can reinforce isolation, especially when those habits start forming at such a young age.

How parents can help

While research highlights the risks associated with early and frequent technology use, Westover says the solution isn't to completely remove devices from children's lives.

"Technology is deeply woven into everyday life. Instead of elimination, parents should aim to focus on how technology is managed," she says.

One of the most effective tools parents have is open and ongoing communication.

Since many parents didn't grow up with the same level of digital access, technology can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. Approaching it only as a negative can create fear or resistance on both sides. Instead, try to show interest rather than immediately criticizing or policing it.

"Building that openness helps establish trust. When conversations are framed as 'joining in' rather than 'intruding,' children are more likely to share their experiences," Westover says.

When to seek professional help

With constant exposure to mental health content online, Westover warns that young people may begin to label themselves based on what they see or hear, turning a feeling or behavior into an identity.

Parental engagement is crucial in helping children understand what mental health truly looks like and when support is needed. Labeling at a young age without proper evaluation can shape how a child sees themselves long-term. Thoughtful conversations and appropriate support can help ensure that increased awareness leads to understanding and healing, rather than confusion or harm.

However, there are several warning signs that parents should watch for when it comes to their child's mental health in the context of technology use, including increased isolation, noticeable changes in eating habits, and shifts in social behavior, such as withdrawing from peers or suddenly spending time with a very different group of friends.

If you believe your child might benefit from therapy, schedule an assessment or call us at .