Phones, Social Media & Teen Mental Health
France, Australia and the courts. A Pediatrics study links preteen smartphone ownership to depression and lost sleep.
Jalen Park
Governments and schools around the world are debating bans or restrictions on phones and social media for teenagers because of mental-health concerns. France is pushing to ban phones in high schools, and Australia is preparing a law to block apps like TikTok/Instagram for under-16s.
A new study to be published in a forthcoming issue of the journal Pediatrics found that preteens who own smartphones are more likely to have depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep than their peers, per Axios' Maya Goldman. Australia this month will become the first major democratic nation to ban children under 16 from popular apps such as TikTok and Instagram.
In the U.S., federal measures meant to protect kids online have failed in recent years to become law, in part due to heavy lobbying and pushback citing kids' First Amendment rights.
Filed under
Letters
Say something about this story. No account needed. Leave a name or stay anonymous, and you can delete anything you post from this browser.
Related Stories
Australia BANS Social Media for Teenagers Under 16
4.7 million accounts revoked. The minister calls it 'behavioural cocaine'. Teenagers call it unnecessary.
Yujin Lee/Mar 2026
Teen Mental Health Crisis Growing Among Students
Many teenagers sleep under six hours on a school night. Counselors say pressure, phones and no rest are the cause.
Dongyun Hwang/May 2026
Diet Obsession in Korea
Billions of prescribed pills, idols as diet inspiration, and a culture that treats appearance as a credential.
Jalen Park/Sep 2026
Deadly Floods in Nepal
An ice avalanche on the Nepal-China border sent floods down the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi. The death toll has passed 1,100.
Dongyun Hwang/Sep 2026
AI Cheating Arms Race at Schools
92% of students use AI tools. Detection software flags non-native writers at 61.2%. Nobody has drawn the line.
Jalen Park/Jun 2026
Plastic Pollution over the World
Millions of tons a year, most of it used once. Recycling helps; experts say it is not enough.
Dongyun Hwang/May 2026
More from Social Issues
Diet Obsession in Korea
Billions of prescribed pills, idols as diet inspiration, and a culture that treats appearance as a credential.
Jalen Park/Sep 2026
Deadly Floods in Nepal
An ice avalanche on the Nepal-China border sent floods down the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi. The death toll has passed 1,100.
Dongyun Hwang/Sep 2026
AI Cheating Arms Race at Schools
92% of students use AI tools. Detection software flags non-native writers at 61.2%. Nobody has drawn the line.
Jalen Park/Jun 2026
Plastic Pollution over the World
Millions of tons a year, most of it used once. Recycling helps; experts say it is not enough.
Dongyun Hwang/May 2026
Teen Mental Health Crisis Growing Among Students
Many teenagers sleep under six hours on a school night. Counselors say pressure, phones and no rest are the cause.
Dongyun Hwang/May 2026
Australia BANS Social Media for Teenagers Under 16
4.7 million accounts revoked. The minister calls it 'behavioural cocaine'. Teenagers call it unnecessary.
Yujin Lee/Mar 2026
Former President Yoon's Trial as Ringleader of Insurrection
Five years for obstruction. Prosecutors asked for death. Seven trials still to come.
Jalen Park/Mar 2026