Impact of Smartphones on Teens' Mental Health

SOURCE thehill.com
A new Pew Research Center survey found that most teens feel happy and peaceful when they don't have their smartphones, despite high usage rates. Some teens experience negative emotions when separated from their phones. Concerns about social media's impact on mental health have prompted calls for stricter regulations.

Key Points

  • 74% of teens feel happy when they don't have their smartphones
  • 44% of teens feel anxious when separated from their phones
  • 70% of teens believe smartphones provide more benefits than harms for people their age

Pros

  • Smartphones provide benefits such as easier pursuit of hobbies and interests.
  • Most teens feel happy and peaceful when they don't have their smartphones.

Cons

  • A significant portion of teens feel anxious, upset, or lonely when separated from their smartphones.
  • Younger girls are more likely to feel that the harms of smartphone use outweigh the benefits.