# data[].attributes.body
As a result, if one is not educated on this setting this can impair your ability to sleep. Consequently, your cellular device has a substancial effect on

# data[].attributes.body
such as changing the way you perceive yourself in a negative manner.

# data[].attributes.body
The attachment of the cellular device as a young teen can control their emotions, mood, and negatively affect their social life. Teens are beginning to be so attached to their cellular device to an extreme point, "The fear of going without a smartphone, or nomophobia, keeps growing. Data shows that 99.2% of users are scared and anxious if their phones are accidentally left behind." ( )

# data[].attributes.body
"The blue light that emits from smartphones suppresses the amount of melatonin that our body releases, which can be quite harmful because the body believes that it is still daytime, therefore not allowing teens to feel tired. " (

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On an average school morning, a teenager typically wakes up to the sound of their alarm that is powered by their electronic device. Upon turning off their alarm, the first thing they do is check the time as well as any applications that can be found on their device. Some teenagers check their email account, while others check their social media accounts.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has been around for over a year, adolescents have become much more reliant on technology and devices such as their cell phones not only to complete any school work they might have been assigned, but they also use these devices as what they believe to be one of their only sources of entertainment during these times.

Due to this toxic attachment that many teenagers have developed to their cell phones, they run the risk of suffering from nomophobia. Defined by Cambridge Dictionary , nomophobia refers to the "fear or worry at the idea of being without your cell phone or unable to use it."

In the United States , around 65 percent of people sleep with their cell phones, with the percentage being higher for both college and high school students. Furthermore, 66 percent of adults in the United States suffer from nomophobia. This phobia has contributed greatly to the terrifying bond that teenagers have with their phones.

According to ABC News , teenagers on average spend around seven hours on their cell phones. At the age of 11, more than 50 percent of kids have access to their very own smartphones. This addiction that many adolescents have to their cell phones can greatly affect different aspects of their lives.

One of the challenges that can be derived from an excessive amount of cell phone use, especially in teenagers, is a negative effect on mental health . When teenagers are asked to power off their cell phones for a specific period of time, many start to feel different levels of anxiety because they fail to comprehend what they will spend their time on now that they don't have their cell phones available. Once these adolescents are given the opportunity to view their phones, most of them spend their time on applications such as Instagram and Snapchat. These types of applications can be mentally draining and cause teens to feel depressed due to the fact that they are constantly comparing their lives to the lives of others.

Another effect that this toxic cell phone attachment has on teens is the lack of sleep that many teens are receiving due to the amount of time they spend on their devices. Many young adults stay up late at night binge-watching their favorite shows on Netflix, texting friends, watching YouTube videos, and doing similar activities which decrease the amount of time they spend sleeping. The blue light that emits from smartphones suppresses the amount of melatonin that our body releases, which can be quite harmful because the body believes that it is still daytime, therefore not allowing teens to feel tired.

An unhealthy amount of time spent on a cell phone by a teenager can also affect the relationship they have with their family . When a teenager or another family member is constantly on their phone during family gatherings, it can cause strain on the family. Family members can also feel disconnected to the teenager because of the lack of communication between the teenager and the family member. Furthermore, being addicted to using a mobile device can cause the teenager to miss many activities that their family has planned.

Although spending time without a cell phone can be challenging for some adolescents, here are some activities that can be done alternatively that do not require the use of an electronic device:

Read a book that can be found around the house.

Go for a walk around the neighborhood.

Try to complete a jigsaw puzzle within a certain amount of time.

Try to learn something new (ex: learn how to knit, learn how to play an instrument, learn how to cook, etc...)

Cell phones are devices that certainly provide people with helpful tools, but once a teenager becomes addicted to the device, it turns into something that can potentially become a threat to the emotional and mental health of that being.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teenagers have become attached to their mobile devices

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On an average school morning, a teenager typically wakes up to the sound of their alarm that is powered by their electronic device. Upon turning off their alarm, the first thing they do is check the time as well as any applications that can be found on their device.

# data[].attributes.body
"Once these adolescents are given the opportunity to view their phones, most of them spend their time on applications such as Instagram and Snapchat. These types of applications can be mentally draining and cause teens to feel depressed due to the fact that they are constantly comparing their lives to the lives of others."

# data[].attributes.body
"The fear of going without a smartphone, or nomophobia, keeps growing. Data shows that 99.2% of users are scared and anxious if their phones are accidentally left behind."

# data[].attributes.body
44 Smartphone Addiction Statistics for 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]

SlickText

https://www.slicktext.com › blog › 2019/10 › smartphon...

# data[].attributes.body
"When a teen sees new likes, positive comments, or new followers on their feeds, they receive a burst of dopamine. Similar to a drug’s high, as social app use escalates, the more engagement they crave."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
BNI Treatment Center for Teens & Adolescents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Teenage cell phone addiction disrupts family time, social time, and study time.

For a teen, having a cell phone is like being a kid in a candy store. With app stores offering a never-ending array of options, it is easy to see how teens get addicted to their phones. By design, software companies have found ways to draw people into their digital products, including teens.

Social media apps, and there are many, gobble up the most time among teens. Teens are on these social apps for several hours a day. Data show that teens spend about 3 hours a day on social media. An astounding 20% of teens are on these social platforms for more than 5 hours a day. On average, teens are on their phones about 7 hours per day.

Smartphone addiction is very real. When teens use the apps, they will receive a dopamine hit that gets logged in the brain's reward system. This leads to the teen spending ever more time on their phones, as the behavior gets continually reinforced. Keep reading to learn more about teen cell phone addiction and what can be done to curb the problem.

What is Teenage Cell Phone Addiction?

There is ample research showing how smartphone overuse, especially social media, impacts the brain. In fact, it can cause the same brain chemical responses as a drug. When a teen sees new likes, positive comments, or new followers on their feeds, they receive a burst of dopamine. Similar to a drug's high, as social app use escalates, the more engagement they crave.

The time spent engaging on social feeds will increase more and more as this reward cycle takes hold. The teen may put off other activities they once enjoyed in exchange for spending more time on their phones. Homework is not completed, which affects the teen's grades. Sleep is forfeited, which impacts their health in many ways. In person social time is traded off for engaging with strangers on their social media feeds.

All of these adverse effects caused by excess cell phone use can lead to mental health issues. Anxiety can result due to the time wasted on the phone. This causes stress because the teen now lacks time to complete their schoolwork or chores. Too much time online also results in depression, mainly because the teen begins to feel lonely.

What Are Signs of Teen Cell Phone Addiction Symptoms

As with other behavioral addictions, there will be certain signs the teen displays. Signs of a teenage cell phone addiction might include:

Teen cannot carry on a live conversation.

Teen is always scrolling and clicking around on their phone.

Teen is not able to be without their phone, even for a few minutes.

Teen shows signs of depression the more they are on their phone.

Teen becomes obsessed with selfies and their social feels.

Teen is having sleep problems.

Teen's grades drop, due to reduced time for studying or homework.

Parents might want to think about having a digital time out, where all phones are shelved for a day or a weekend. Taking a break from the cell phones will do the whole family a lot of good.

The Impact of Teen Social Media Addiction on Mental Health

During the teen years, the brain is still under construction. The teen brain is more vulnerable to things that could lead to an addiction, like video games and social media. A recent study explains how the reward system in the teenage brain works.

It shows the same type of dopamine release in response to social media likes as one might have to a drug. The study also points out that the teen will show "withdrawal" symptoms, like irritability and anxiety. This happens when they are not allowed to use their cell phone or social media.

But anxiety and depression in themselves can be a result of too much cell phone use. Studies show that teens that spend large amounts of time on social platforms suffer from higher levels of mental health issues. This is due to the time spent on social apps, which can fuel low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and bullying.

Also, excess time on smartphones means a lack of in person contact with friends and family. Face-to-face time is traded off for huge amounts of time chatting online with strangers. These interactions are shallow and do not lead to any real human connection. Over time, this can result in feelings of loneliness and depression.

What Do You Do If Your Teenage Is Addicted to Their Phone

Parent Guidelines to Reduce Teenager Cell Phone Addiction

Parents can help limit their teen's cell phone use in several ways. It is likely a waste of time to forbid them to be on their phones, but you can set rules. Remind the teen that having a phone is a privilege, not a right, and that you are paying for it. Of course, guidelines for a 13 year-old will be different from that of a 17 year-old.

Consider these tips for parents:

Set limits on time for phone use. Set up screen-free periods during the day, with a place for the phone to be stored during that time.

Tell the teen the phone will be shut off if their grades drop.

Have your teen shut down their cell phone at a certain time each night.

Keep communication open and bring up any concerns if you think they might be bullied on social media.

Have clear consequences should the teen break your cell phone rules.

Suggest your teen take breaks from their cell phone to enjoy an outdoor activity.

Teach the teen about online predators.

Limit the types of social media platforms they can use.

Because social media isn't going anywhere, it is best for parents to take the offense and partner with their teen to help them negotiate the challenges and emotional landmines together. Learning ways to reduce the chances for teenage cell phone addiction can help your teen avoid risks to mental health.

BNI Treatment Centers Helps Teens with Mental Health Disorders

BNI Treatment Centers provides the intensive treatment and support needed for teens with depression or anxiety disorders. Teens who struggle with mental health issues related to smartphone addiction are guided toward making better use of their time. For more details about our program, call BNI today at (888) 522-1504.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teenage Cell Phone Addiction | BNI Treatment Centers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teen cell phone addiction is a serious issue in adolescents. Teenagers are likely to show signs of depression when addicted to cell phone.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Over 80% of Americans own a smartphone, and 65% of smartphone owners admit to checking their phone at night. While nighttime scrolling may seem like a harmless activity, doing so could be interfering with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

How Can a Phone Interrupt Sleep?

The body relies on circadian rhythms to know when to initiate sleep versus when to feel awake. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour biological process that mimics the rise and fall of the sun. A specific part of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus uses external cues such as light to determine if it is time for sleep. At night, the body normally reacts to the darkness by releasing melatonin, a hormone that signals that it's time to sleep.

However, our brains are very sensitive to light, and the blue light emitted from cell phones and other electronic devices delays melatonin production. Lack of melatonin can make it difficult to fall asleep, which can lead to insomnia and fatigue over time.

Studies also suggest that blue light can decrease the amount of time the body spends in slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These two sleep stages are important for consolidating memories and regulating mood.

Does Blue Light Affect Children?

Children's eyes are even more sensitive to light, and the blue light from screens can delay melatonin production by up to two times as much for children compared with adults. This can lead to insomnia and poor quality of sleep, which can be particularly harmful for children.

Quality rest is crucial for children as they grow and develop. Lack of sleep in children can impact academic performance, behavior, and mood. Poor sleep in children has also been associated with health issues, such as obesity and depression.

What Are Some Tips for Avoiding Screen Time Before Bed?

Avoiding screens before bed can help children and adults fall asleep faster and get deeper sleep. Some ways to build a technology-free bedtime routine that promotes quality rest include:

Keeping Your Phone Out of the Bedroom: Having your phone right by your bedside can make it tempting to scroll before bed or when awakened at night. Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom is one way to avoid the harmful effects blue light has on sleep.

Using an Alarm Clock: Many people rely on their phones to set an alarm for the morning. However, this can also lead to habitual nighttime scrolling. Consider investing in an alarm clock instead.

Partaking in a Soothing Activity: Reading a book, drinking tea, or taking a warm bath are ways to wind down without electronic devices. Relaxing before bed without screens can help prepare your body and mind for rest.

Using Blue-Light Filtering Glasses: Avoiding technology entirely before bed may not be practical for everyone. If you cannot entirely avoid screens before bed, blue-light filtering glasses can be helpful. These glasses use special coatings to limit your level of blue light exposure.

While spending time on your smartphone before bed may not seem harmful, it can throw off your body's natural rhythm and make it difficult to get quality sleep. Making an effort to avoid screens before bed can encourage healthier sleep, which can improve health and quality of life.

References

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is Your Smartphone Affecting Your Sleep? - Sleep Doctor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your smartphone could be interfering with your sleep and causing sleep issues such as insomnia. Learn how your smartphone can interrupt quality rest.

# data[].attributes.body
Studies also suggest that blue light can decrease the amount of time the body spends in slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These two sleep stages are important for consolidating memories and regulating mood.

# data[].attributes.body
Social media can affect adolescents’ self-view and interpersonal relationships through social comparison and negative interactions, including cyberbullying; moreover, social media content often involves normalization and even promotion of self-harm and suicidality among youth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KEY POINTS

Evidence from a variety of cross-sectional, longitudinal and empirical studies implicate smartphone and social media use in the increase in mental distress, self-injurious behaviour and suicidality among youth; there is a dose-response relationship, and the effects appear to be greatest among girls.

Social media can affect adolescents' self-view and interpersonal relationships through social comparison and negative interactions, including cyberbullying; moreover, social media content often involves normalization and even promotion of self-harm and suicidality among youth.

High proportions of youth engage in heavy smartphone use and media multitasking, with resultant chronic sleep deprivation, and negative effects on cognitive control, academic performance and socioemotional functioning.

Clinicians can work collaboratively with youth and their families, using open, nonjudgmental and developmentally appropriate approaches to reduce potential harms from social media and smartphone use, including education and practical problem-solving.

There is a need for public awareness campaigns and social policy initiatives that promote nurturing home and school environments that foster resilience as youth navigate the challenges of adolescence in today's world.

In the last decade, increasing mental distress and treatment for mental health conditions among youth in North America has paralleled a steep rise in the use of smartphones and social media by children and adolescents.

In Ontario, the proportion of teenagers reporting moderate to serious mental distress increased from 24% in 2013, to 34% in 2015 and to 39% in 2017,1 with parallel increases in health service utilization. Inpatient hospital admissions of children and adolescents for mental health reasons increased substantially across Canada between 2007 and 2014, while admissions for other medical conditions in this age group decreased by 14%.2 Between 2009 and 2014, admissions to hospital for intentional self-harm increased by 110% in Canadian girls.3 Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for Canadian youth.4 A recent analysis of survey data found the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempts and nonsuicidal self-injury to be 8.1%, 4.3% and 8.8%, respectively, among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years, with all rates being higher in girls.5 Similarly, administrative data in the United States show that presentations to hospital for suicidal ideation or attempts among children and adolescents almost doubled between 2008 and 2015, with the highest increase for adolescent girls.6 Self-poisoning rates among 10- to 18-year-olds, which had declined in the US since the turn of the century, increased substantially from 2011 to 2018, primarily among girls.7 Surveys of high school students in the US have shown a similar pattern for self-reported symptoms of depression, major depressive episodes and suicidality over the last 2 decades.8,9

We review the evidence that links smartphone and social media use with mental distress and suicidality among adolescents. We do not review evidence for online gaming. Although most existing data are observational, making causality difficult to establish, findings from a few longitudinal, randomized and controlled studies suggest that social media and smartphone use may be contributing to the rising burden of mental distress among youth. We consider the clinical implications of existing evidence, to help practising clinicians to work collaboratively with youth and families to mitigate potential negative effects of social media and smartphone use on mental health.

How has use of social media been shown to affect adolescents' sense of self?

Two cross-sectional surveys of American and German university students, respectively,12,13 found that students who spent more time on the social media platform Facebook were more likely to endorse feeling envy or sensing that others in their social network were better off than they were. The term "FOMO" - fear of missing out - has been defined as "a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent,"14 and has been associated with increased stress related to Facebook use.15

The nature of social media interactions, which are arm's length, makes negative commenting both easy and more frequent than in-person interactions with peers. An Ontario survey of middle- and high school students showed that the odds of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts were all significantly higher among those who had experienced cyberbullying, even after controlling for a range of potential confounders.18

Does social media addiction exist and can it affect mental health?

One study of repeat survey data from 2013, 2014 and 2015 associated the extent of self-reported use of Facebook with subsequent poor self-reported mental health and life satisfaction.19 Concerns have been raised about social media platforms having been deliberately designed - in highly sophisticated ways that use behavioural psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence - to promote behavioural reinforcement and behavioural addiction.20,21 Several cross-sectional studies have shown that high proportions of youth appear to be addicted to their smartphones,22,23 but there is no standard or agreed-upon definition of smartphone or Internet addiction; studies have used different definitions and scales, varying from those that rely on behavioural addiction criteria, to measurement of the extent of functional impairment and level of device use.24,25 As such, reported prevalence rates are highly variable.25

A systematic review identified Internet addiction as being particularly associated with self-harm or suicidal behaviour based on 7 included studies, all of which were cross-sectional school-based surveys that used validated outcome measures and were rated as high or medium to high quality.24 A recent large prospective study of senior high school adolescent students in Taiwan found that youth classified as experiencing Internet addiction had a significantly increased risk of having newly emerged self-harm or suicidal behaviour or both when re-evaluated 1 year later.26

Two systematic reviews have shown that media multitasking is associated with negative effects on cognitive control, academic performance and socioemotional functioning in youth.27,28 Most existing studies, however, are cross-sectional, and measures are heterogenous across studies with limited attempts to consider individual and contextual differences, making it impossible to establish causality. Youth with lower impulse control may be more susceptible to deleterious effects of media multitasking. A large longitudinal study of adolescents who did not have significant symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at baseline found that high-frequency digital media use was positively associated with emergence of symptoms meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for ADHD over a 2-year follow-up period, even after adjusting for known confounders.29

Can social media promote self-harm?

Youth communicate thoughts of suicidality and self-harm behaviours online, including sharing images of self-inflicted injuries. Explicit depiction of self-injury - particularly cutting - on social media is common, as shown by site content studies30,31 that found photographs or live videos of self-injurious behaviour, many of which had no warnings about graphic content. Of particular concern were viewers' comments, which typically contained positive feedback or personal disclosures about self-injury experiences, and rarely offered encouragement or discussion of recovery. Such findings show the potential for mental illness romanticizing and messaging that normalizes self-harm among youth. Indeed, a systematic review that included 26 studies (using qualitative, descriptive or cross-sectional methodology) found that social media platforms included normalization of self-harm behaviour, discussions about practical issues regarding suicidality and live depictions of self-harm acts.32 At the same time, there were also positive elements, including providing a sense of community, suggestions for seeking treatment and advice on stopping self-harm behaviour.

Do the effects of smartphones on social skills affect mental health?

An observational study showed that spending more than a few hours per week using electronic media correlated negatively with self-reported happiness, life satisfaction and self-esteem, whereas time spent on nonscreen activities (in-person social interactions, sports or exercise, print media, homework, religious services, working at a paid job) correlated positively with psychological well-being, among adolescents.33 Other observational studies have linked spending more than 2 hours a day on social networking sites and personal electronic devices with high rates of suicidality and depressive symptoms among adolescent girls, although youth who sustained high levels of face-to-face socializing were relatively protected against the negative consequences of too much time online.13,34

Does sleep-loss associated with use of social media affect mental health?

An analysis of US annual survey data found an abrupt increase in the proportion of adolescents getting insufficient sleep after 2011-2013, with more than 40% sleeping less than 7 hours most nights in 2015.37 The study also showed an exposure-response relationship between daily electronic media use beyond 2 or more hours per day, and insufficient sleep.37 An analysis of survey data from Ontario found that 63.6% of 5242 students aged 11-20 years slept less than recommended,38 also showing a significant relationship between use of social media beyond 1 hour a day and odds of insufficient duration of sleep.38

Data from a longitudinal study of 1101 adolescents in Australia showed that poor sleep mediated the relationship between nighttime mobile phone use and subsequent depressed mood, externalizing behaviours and decline in self-esteem and coping based on various validated scales.11 In another longitudinal study involving 2286 adolescents in Europe, magnitude of Internet use in general had a negative impact on mental health, but the most robust effects came from the consequences - in particular, lack of sleep from Internet use had a notable adverse effect on mental health on 4-month follow-up based on measures from a validated depression, anxiety and stress scale.41

Are some individuals more susceptible to mental health effects than others?

Although population-based studies suggest a link between social media use and mental distress among youth, the impact of these technologies may vary among individuals - and some may be less susceptible to harm, as indicated by an emerging literature of experimental studies. Girls and young women tend to spend more time on social media than boys do, have more exposure to cyberbullying and show tendency to experience more mental health effects,10,34 which is consistent with recent epidemiologic trends indicating that depressive symptoms, self-harm and suicidality have increased among young females in particular.5⁻9

The context of social media use may mediate its effects. A structural equation modelling analysis of a cross-sectional survey of 910 high school students in Belgium found that, among girls, passive use of Facebook had a negative impact on mood but active use had a positive impact on perceived online social support, which in turn had a positive impact on mood.42 However, for boys active site use had a negative effect. A systematic review of 70 studies found that while social media use was correlated with depression, anxiety and measures of well-being, effects could be both detrimental (such as from negative interactions and social comparison) and beneficial (such as through social connectedness and support) depending on the quality of interactions and individual factors.43 Certain cognitive styles, such as those that involve rumination and brooding, appeared to exacerbate negative effects of social media.43 Moreover, the negative impact of social media on depressive symptoms appears to be much greater for adolescents with low levels of in-person interaction; in contrast, youth with high levels of face-to-face socializing appear to be relatively protected against the negative consequences of too much time online.34 A recent survey of 1124 college students found that while social media contact in the absence of a face-to-face relationship was associated with depressive symptoms, the proportion of social media contacts with whom participants had a close face-to-face relationship was negatively associated with depressive symptoms.44 In addition, the challenges associated with social media may be especially risky for young people who are already experiencing mental health difficulties, as suggested by the bidirectional relationship between use of electronic media and decrease in psychological well-being.33 Of particular concern for such vulnerable individuals is that educational or even promotional content about suicide and self-harm is readily available and widely accessed online.30,31

How might physicians use this evidence to inform their practice?

Despite the limitations of the evidence base at this time, clinicians may be able to use currently available knowledge in their practice, combined with evidence on effecting behavioural change in youth.

Clinicians treating youth with mental illness and those at risk of mental distress can discuss with adolescents and their families the known risks of social media and smartphone use to mental health. Clinicians may choose to advocate for a harm reduction approach, suggesting reduced use of social media and the Internet rather than abstinence for youth, given evidence that suggests prolonged use is associated with poorer mental health. A recent large systematic review found that communication with adolescents is most effective in the context of a therapeutic alliance that is open and nonjudgmental, elicits trust and emotional safety, and offers a sense of inclusion and autonomy.48

Encouraging parents to be proactively involved in limiting children's and teens' use of smartphones and social media may be helpful, given that social media use appears to become problematic when it surpasses 1 to 2 hours daily.34,38 Results from a recent meta-analysis suggest that while parental limits may be effective at reducing the amount of media use by younger children, open discussion focused on positive engagement and guidance might be best for reducing media-related risks for adolescents; however, only 5 of the 52 included studies pertained to social media, all of which were based on cross-sectional surveys.49 It is also worth reminding parents that they model smartphone use with their own behaviour; a randomized study showed that heavy parental smartphone use was associated with poorer quality of interactions with their children.50 Youth and their families can be encouraged to set boundaries for smartphone and social media use. These could include such measures as using social media only for set times, and preferably only in common living areas in the home. A further motivator may be to discuss evidence showing an adverse impact of smartphones on learning,51 and the benefit on academic outcomes when phones are put away when studying, preferably in another room.52

Sleep hygiene measures specific to social media and smartphone usage are crucial, as several studies have shown that increased smartphone use can disrupt sleep and shorten sleep duration. These would include avoiding use of electronic screens within 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, and not having portable, screen-based media devices in bedrooms overnight.

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a number of useful health and safety tips to support youth regarding the use of social media,55 as well as a Family Media Use Plan that offers structure to the recommendations related to limiting use and having discussions regarding appropriate use.56 Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics has partnered with Common Sense Media to produce a Family Media Toolkit that has useful information for parents.57 Other practical strategies to mitigate negative effects from using smartphones and related media are offered by the Center for Humane Technology ( http://humanetech.com/), an organization developed by former technology industry members out of concern for the potential deleterious effects of new media on psychological states.

A motivational interviewing approach may be useful to help young people start to make changes in their pattern of online behaviour. Motivational interviewing is an intervention with established effectiveness for adolescents with substance use, which could be useful for youth who appear to have poor self-control in their use of social media or smartphone.58 This approach should involve open, nonjudgmental exploration of all aspects of a youth's digital life, including positive and negative. Some youth might benefit from habit reversal training to address compulsive use, including having daily "nonscreen time" that can be progressively increased. Sharing evidence that a randomized controlled trial found that participants assigned to not using Facebook reported significantly greater "life satisfaction" and positive emotions after 1 week, compared with controls who were told to continue using the site as usual,59 may be helpful in effecting change. Youth might be encouraged to inform their friends that they are taking a break from, or otherwise limiting, their social media use. Talking with youth about alternative ways to connect, including meeting in person or even talking directly by phone, could help with strategies to fill the social media gap, reinforced by discussion of evidence that in-person interaction may protect mental health.

At the system level, school and community-based programs can institute limits on social media and smartphone use, along the lines of those that have recently been shown to have a positive effect on healthy behaviours.60 However, such interventions should be developmentally appropriate and aim to respectfully ensure adolescents' autonomy.61 Mobile-phone policies at the school and classroom level have been implemented in several jurisdictions, with mixed results.62 Enforcement of blanket bans is often a challenge; rather, a more productive approach involves negotiation between teacher and students, as developmentally appropriate, in the context of a relationship built on mutual trust and respect for autonomy.63,64

More broadly, public awareness campaigns can provide education on the impact of problematic use of digital media and promote healthy behaviours in this regard. Various social media platforms have placed bans and restrictions on content related to self-harm.24 A qualitative study of focus groups involving a total of 66 adolescents found that while adolescents valued freedom and privacy, they recognized a need for protection and most were in favour of automatic monitoring in situations that were beyond their control.65 Finally, there should be public discussion about the extent to which social media companies can use features that are deliberately designed to promote behavioural reinforcement and addiction,20,21 particularly on platforms used primarily by youth.

Encouragingly, youth are increasingly recognizing the negative impact of social media on their lives and starting to take steps to mitigate this.66 According to a recent poll, 54% of teens felt they spend too much time on their cell phone, and about half reported cutting back on the time they spend on it.67

Conclusion

Given the importance of engaging youth in mitigating potential harms from social media, a prohibitionist approach would be counterproductive. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that online relationships are part of typical adolescent development.55 Indeed, for adolescents today, who have not known a world without social media, digital interactions are the norm, and the potential benefits of online access to productive mental health information - including media literacy, creativity, self-expression, sense of belonging and civic engagement - as well as low barriers to resources such as crisis lines and Internet-based talking therapies cannot be discounted.

However, today's youth could benefit from proven individual and systemic interventions to help them navigate the challenges brought about by use of smartphones and social media, protect themselves from harm and use social media in a manner that safeguards their mental health, against a background of policy initiatives aimed at addressing the social, environmental and economic factors that underpin family well-being and nurture youth resilience.68

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the valuable contributions of the anonymous reviewers and journal editors.

Footnotes

CMAJ Podcasts: author interview at https://soundcloud.com/cmajpodcasts/190434-ana

Competing interests: None declared.

This article has been peer reviewed.

Contributors: All of the authors contributed to the conception and design of the work. Elia Abi-Jaoude and Karline Treurnicht Naylor drafted the manuscript. All authors revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content, gave final approval of the version to be published and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

References

1. Boak A, Hamilton HA, Adlaf EM, et al. The mental health and well-being of Ontario students, 1991-2017: [ detailed findings from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS). CAMH Research Document Series No. 47 Toronto: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; 2018. Google Scholar]

2. [ Care for children and youth with mental disorders [report]. Ottawa: Canadian Institute for Health Information; 2015. Google Scholar]

15. Beyens I, Frison E, Eggermont S. "I don't want to miss a thing": Adolescents' fear of missing out and its relationship to adolescents' social needs, Facebook use, and Facebook related stress. Comput Human Behav 2016;64:1-8. [ Google Scholar]

24. Marchant A, Hawton K, Stewart A, et al. A systematic review of the relationship between internet use, self-harm and suicidal behaviour in young people: the good, the bad and the unknown [published erratum in [[ PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193937]. PLoS One 2017;12:e0181722. PubMed] PMC free article] [ Google Scholar]

46. Burrow AL, Rainone N. How many [ likes did I get?: Purpose moderates links between positive social media feedback and self-esteem. J Exp Soc Psychol 2017;69:232-6. 10.1016/j.jesp.2016.09.005. [ CrossRef] Google Scholar]

63. Charles AS. Chapter eleven: "There's a relationship": Negotiating cell phone use in the high school classroom. In Researching New Literacies: Design, Theory, and Data in Sociocultural Investigation. Bern (Switzerland): Peter Lang, International Academic Publishers; 2017. Available: [ www.peterlang.com/view/9781433138331/xhtml/chapter11.xhtml (accessed 2019 Oct. 14). Google Scholar]

Articles from CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal are provided here courtesy of Canadian Medical Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Smartphones, social media use and youth mental health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KEY POINTS Evidence from a variety of cross-sectional, longitudinal and empirical studies implicate smartphone and social media use in the increase in mental distress, self-injurious behaviour and suicidality among youth; there is a dose-response relationship, and the effects appear to be greatest among girls.

# data[].attributes.body
The help of a hobby or activity that the teen enjoys can sustain a passion creating healthy space between the teen and the cellular device. Having a hobby is enjoyable and helps pass the time minimizing usage on the cell phone.

# data[].attributes.body
With the discipline and support of the parents there are certain setting regarding the iPhone limiting the amount of time on certain apps that can be time consuming taking away their sleep. Aswell as the option of limiting the cellular device by taking it away at night.

# data[].attributes.body
With cellular devices you wield the power to limit what you want to see. By deleting and restricting certain algorithms you can avoid interacting with feed that causes feelings of negativity.

# data[].attributes.body
excess cell phone use can lead to mental health issues. Anxiety can result due to the time wasted on the phone. This causes stress because the teen now lacks time to complete their schoolwork or chores. Too much time online also results in depression, mainly because the teen begins to feel lonely.

# data[].attributes.body
Fortunately, the Iphone setting provides a solution that mitigates this problem by being able to adjust the blue light to warm temperature during a certain time. To elaborate, the blue light will switch into a warmer light at the time you choose. For example it will immediately change the temperature to warm at 9 pm and turn back off at 8 am. when one opens the setting in the upper search bar you can look up "Display & Brightness" mitigate

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Top 10 Cell Phone Addiction Statistics

1. 47% of Americans are addicted to their phones.

2. The average person checks their phone every 12 minutes, or approximately 80 times per day.

3. 44% of adults in the U.S. say that not having their phones gives them anxiety.

4. Cell phones cause more than 1 out of 5 car accidents.

5. Almost two-thirds of children spend four hours or more per day on their smartphones.

6. 77% of Americans own a smartphone.

7. Teenagers spend an average of 9 hours a day on their smartphones.

8. 66% of teenagers feel anxious when they don't have their smartphones.

9. 34% of teenagers say they have "excessive" smartphone use.

10. 47% of teenagers say they are "constantly" checking their phones.

‍

Important Smartphone Addiction Statistics

Did you know that almost 50% of Americans are addicted to their phones? Unfortunately, cell phone addiction rates continue to rise as more and more people get a smartphone. Social media is a big driver of the increase in cell phone addiction, as well as other apps like Youtube. Find more phone addiction stats below.

People who own smartphones

2.5 billion

Number of times someone checks their phone

80 times a day, every 12 minutes

Percentage of people who sleep with their phone

67%

Average number of times people look at their phones each day

150 times

Percentage of people who suffer from nomophobia

66%

Percentage of people who use their phone during meals with friends or family

68%

Percentage of people who admit to using their phone while driving

47%

1. Over three-quarters of Americans (77%) now own a smartphone.

2. More than half of Americans (53%) say they "couldn't live without" their smartphones.

3. The average American checks their smartphone every 12 minutes.

4. About half of Americans (48%) say they feel "addicted" to their smartphones.

5. The average American spends over four hours a day on their smartphone.

6. Teenagers spend an average of nine hours a day on their smartphones.

7. Nearly one in three teenagers (32%) say they are "addicted" to their smartphones.

8. Two-thirds of teenagers (66%) say they feel "anxious" when they don't have their smartphones.

9. One-third of teenagers (34%) say they have "excessive" smartphone use.

10. About half of teenagers (47%) say they are "constantly" checking their smartphones.

11. Nearly one in four teenagers (23%) say they feel "uncomfortable" when they don't have their smartphones.

12. Nearly two-thirds of teenagers (64%) say they feel "sad" when they don't have their smartphones.

13. One in five teenagers (20%) say they feel "angry" when they don't have their smartphones.

14. More than one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "lonely" when they don't have their smartphones.

15. Over one-third of teenagers (36%) say they feel "anxious" when they are away from their smartphones.

16. Nearly one in five teenagers (19%) say they feel "nervous" when they are away from their smartphones.

17. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "lost" when they don't have their smartphones.

18. Nearly one-quarter of teenagers (24%) say they feel "powerless" when they don't have their smartphones.

19. More than one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "disconnected" when they don't have their smartphones.

20. Nearly one in four teenagers (23%) say they feel "depressed" when they don't have their smartphones.

21. Nearly one-quarter of teenagers (24%) say they feel "irritable" when they don't have their smartphones.

22. More than one-third of teenagers (36%) say they feel "helpless" when they don't have their smartphones.

23. Nearly one in three teenagers (29%) say they feel "tired" when they don't have their smartphones.

24. Nearly one-quarter of teenagers (23%) say they feel "panicky" when they don't have their smartphones.

25. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "insecure" when they don't have their smartphones.

26. Nearly one in four teenagers (24%) say they feel "suffocated" when they don't have their smartphones.

27. About one-third of teenagers (32%) say they feel "overwhelmed" when they don't have their smartphones.

28. More than half of teenagers (52%) say they are "unable to concentrate" when they don't have their smartphones.

29. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "isolated" when they don't have their smartphones.

30. About one-third of teenagers (31%) say they feel "frustrated" when they don't have their smartphones.

31. Over one-quarter of teenagers (27%) say they feel "impatient" when they don't have their smartphones.

32. Nearly one in five teenagers (18%) say they feel "lonely" when their smartphones are taken away.

33. Nearly one in five teenagers (17%) say they feel "fearful" when their smartphones are taken away.

34. More than one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "dependent" on their smartphones.

35. About one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "addicted" to their smartphones.

36. Three-quarters of teenagers (74%) say they feel "anxious" when their smartphones are taken away.

37. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "discouraged" when their smartphones are taken away.

38. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "powerless" when their smartphones are taken away.

39. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "insecure" when their smartphones are taken away.

40. About one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "stressed" when their smartphones are taken away.

41. Over one-third of teenagers (35%) say they feel "unmotivated" when their smartphones are taken away.

42. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "sad" when their smartphones are taken away.

43. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "helpless" when their smartphones are taken away.

44. Nearly one-quarter of teenagers (23%) say they feel "afraid" when their smartphones are taken away.

45. Over one-third of teenagers (36%) say they feel "isolated" when their smartphones are taken away.

46. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "incomplete" when their smartphones are taken away.

47. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "lonely" when their smartphones are taken away.

48. Nearly one in five teenagers (18%) say they feel "depressed" when their smartphones are taken away.

49. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "anxious" when their smartphone batteries are low.

50. More than one-third of teenagers (36%) say they feel "powerless" when their smartphone batteries are low.

51. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "stressed" when their smartphone batteries are low.

52. Nearly one-third of teenagers (29%) say they feel "irritable" when their smartphone batteries are low.

53. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "discouraged" when their smartphone batteries are low.

54. Nearly one in four teenagers (24%) say they feel "overwhelmed" when their smartphone batteries are low.

55. More than one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "anxious" when their smartphones are not working.

56. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "stressed" when their smartphones are not working.

57. Nearly one-third of teenagers (29%) say they feel "angry" when their smartphones are not working.

58. Over one-third of teenagers (37%) say they feel "powerless" when their smartphones are not working.

59. Nearly one-third of teenagers (30%) say they feel "insecure" when their smartphones are not working.

60. Nearly one-quarter of teenagers (23%) say they feel "depressed" when their smartphones are not working.

61. 66% of the population shows signs of nomophobia, which is the fear of being without your phone.

62. The average smartphone user will click, tap or swipe their phone 2,617 times per day.

63. 50% of survey respondents reported feeling uneasy when they left their phones at home.

1. Over three-quarters of Americans (77%) now own a smartphone.

2. Teenagers spend an average of nine hours a day on their smartphones.

3. Nearly one in three teenagers (32%) say they are "addicted" to their smartphones.

4. Two-thirds of teenagers (66%) say they feel "anxious" when they don't have their smartphones.

5. One-third of teenagers (34%) say they have "excessive" smartphone use.

6. About half of teenagers (47%) say they are "constantly" checking their smartphones.

Teen Smartphone Addiction Statistics

Smartphone Usage By Country

Smartphones are becoming increasingly popular across the globe, with most countries now having access to the latest technology. In the USA, over three-quarters of adults (77%) own a smartphone and the majority of teenagers (74%) have their own device.

Smartphone usage isn't just limited to the USA, however. In China, over 90% of adults own a smartphone and in Japan, over 80% of adults own a device. Across Europe, smartphone usage is also high, with Spain having the highest rate of ownership at 84%.

In Africa, smartphone usage is on the rise, with Ghana having the highest rate of ownership at 53%.

In India, smartphone usage has also seen exponential growth in recent years, with the ownership rate rising from 24% in 2017 to 43% in 2020.

In South America, Brazil has the highest rate of ownership at 75%, followed by Colombia at 74%. Australia has a high rate of ownership, with over three-quarters of adults (77%) owning a smartphone.

Smartphone usage varies significantly from country to country. In some countries, such as the USA and China, usage is very high, while in other countries, such as India and Ghana, usage is still growing.

Smartphone usage is also affected by a variety of factors such as income level, population density, and access to the internet. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that smartphone usage will continue to increase across the globe.

COVID-19 Impact On Cell Phone Addiction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on smartphone addiction and usage. With people stuck at home and unable to go out, many have turned to their smartphones for entertainment and connection to the outside world.

This has led to an increase in smartphone addiction, with people spending more and more time on their devices.

In addition, many people have started using their smartphones as a way to stay in touch with friends and family, or to keep up with the news. As a result, people are now even more dependent on their smartphones than before, and this is likely to continue even after the pandemic has ended.

Cell Phone Addiction By Age

Cell phone addiction is becoming increasingly common, particularly among teenagers. According to a recent survey, nearly one in three teenagers (32%) say they are "addicted" to their smartphones.

Teenagers are spending an average of nine hours a day on their phones, and many feel "anxious" when they don't have their devices or when their battery is low. This addiction is having a significant impact on their lives, with many feeling "lonely", "insecure", and "helpless" when away from their phones.

Adults are also becoming increasingly dependent on their smartphones, with the average adult spending over four hours a day on their device. Many adults also feel "addicted" to their phones, with 48% saying they "couldn't live without" their devices. This addiction can be detrimental to their mental health, as many adults feel "anxious", "stressed", and "insecure" when away from their phones.

Cell phone addiction is a growing problem across all ages, and it is important to be aware of the risks. Smartphones offer numerous benefits, but it is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and to take steps to ensure that you are using your device in a healthy manner.

Smartphone Addiction FAQs

How Many Times Per Day Do People Check Their Smartphones?

The average person checks their phone every 12 minutes, or approximately 80 times per day. This number varies depending on the individual, however, with some people checking their phones even more frequently.

Teenagers, in particular, are known to check their phones even more frequently, with some checking their phones as often as every 5 minutes. Smartphone usage has become an integral part of daily life for many people, and it is likely that this number will continue to increase in the future.

Where Do People Use Their Smartphones The Most?

People use their smartphones most while they are at home. This is because it is convenient to have access to the internet and all of their apps without having to leave the house. At work, people mostly use their phones for communication purposes, such as texting, emailing, and making calls.

People also use their phones while they are in public places, such as on the bus or in a restaurant. Smartphones have become an integral part of daily life for many people, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the future.

How Much Time Do We Spend On Our Phones?

The average person spends about four hours a day on their smartphone, with teenagers spending even more time (an average of nine hours a day).

This number is likely to increase in the future, as people become even more dependent on their devices. Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, and it is important to be aware of how much time we are spending on them.

What Percentage Of People Are Addicted To Smartphones?

According to a recent survey, 48% of Americans say they feel "addicted" to their smartphones. This number is even higher among teenagers, with nearly one in three (32%) saying they are "addicted" to their devices.

These numbers are likely to increase in the future, as more and more people become dependent on their devices. It is important to be aware of the risks of smartphone addiction and to take steps to ensure that you are using your device in a healthy manner.

How Many People Are Addicted To Phones In The World?

It is difficult to estimate how many people are addicted to smartphones worldwide, as the data is limited and varies from country to country.

However, it is likely that the number of people addicted to their phones is increasing, as more and more people are becoming dependent on their devices.

Smartphone addiction is a growing problem that affects people of all ages, and it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to ensure that you are using your device in a healthy manner.

Conclusion

Smartphone addiction is a growing problem that affects people of all ages. Over three-quarters of Americans (77%) now own a smartphone, and many feel "addicted" to their devices.

Teenagers are particularly prone to smartphone addiction, with nearly one in three (32%) saying they are "addicted" to their phones.

Smartphone addiction can have a significant impact on mental health, and it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to ensure that you are using your device in a healthy manner.

1. https://www.northpointwashington.com/process-addiction/cell-phone-addiction/

2. https://www.slicktext.com/blog/2019/10/smartphone-addiction-statistics/

3. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/smartphone-addiction-stats

Sources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
79 Cell Phone/Smartphone Addiction Statistics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The average person checks their phone every 12 minutes, or approximately 80 times per day.