Technology’s Impact on Youth Mental Health
“Can I have my phone back now?”
It’s a question we’ve all heard—and maybe even braced ourselves for. Our kids aren’t just attached to their phones; sometimes it feels like they are their phones. But is this just teen angst in the digital age? Or is something deeper going on?
The Celebrate Kids podcast recently tackled this very topic, exploring how our ever-present screens are impacting youth mental health—and what we can do about it. Let’s dive in.
A Digital Lifeline… or a Disguised Chain?
When 50% of teenagers say they feel anxious without their phone, it’s clear we’re not dealing with a casual hobby. For many teens, their smartphone is their connection to the world—a world where being offline can feel like being invisible. This connection may look social, but emotionally, it often leaves them isolated.
One survey in England asked 13- to 18-year-olds how they felt about their phones. Not only did many report high anxiety when separated from their devices, but a surprising number also thought phones and social media should be banned for kids under 16. That paradox says a lot. They know the damage… but they can’t let go.
Let’s be clear: technology isn’t inherently bad. Dr. Kathy often reminds us, “It’s not about the screen—it’s about the scene.” What’s happening in our kids’ hearts and minds when they’re online? That’s the real question.
Beyond Bans: What Our Kids Really Need
Rather than react with hard bans or panic, the podcast encourages us to explore the why behind the screen time. Are our kids scrolling because they’re lonely? Texting because they’re too anxious to talk face-to-face? Posting because they’re unsure who they are without the "likes"?
A BBC experiment gave a group of teens old-school Nokia phones—just call and text. No internet. No apps. No endless scroll. The results? Mixed. Some hated it. Others loved the freedom and rediscovered things like biking with friends and talking at dinner. Yep—talking!
It turns out our kids aren’t addicted to screens—they’re starving for connection.
What You Can Do—Yes, You!
Dr. Kathy emphasizes that this isn’t just a “kid problem.” Adults are part of the solution. We model tech use. We set rhythms. We help our kids build identity—not on social media, but in relationships that reflect how God sees them.
So how do we help?
3 Practical Steps to Strengthen Mental Health & Digital Wisdom:
Create “tech-free” zones and times.
Dinner table. Car rides. Bedtime routines. Make room for real conversation.Name the emotion behind the screen.
Ask your child, “What are you feeling when you reach for your phone?” (Bored? Anxious? Left out?) Help them notice the pattern.Point them toward purpose.
Technology isn’t the enemy—but identity confusion is. Build your child’s sense of worth, belonging, and competence offline.
Use the 8 Great Smarts to Reconnect Offline:
Word Smart: Journal together about the highs and lows of the day.
Logic Smart: Track how screen time affects mood. Make a chart—then brainstorm solutions.
Picture Smart: Do a photo challenge—no filters, just real-life moments captured and celebrated.
Music Smart: Share favorite songs and talk about the lyrics. Make a playlist that reflects their true identity.
Body Smart: Go for a walk or kick a ball around. Moving helps clear the mind and connect hearts.
Nature Smart: Do a phone-free hike or nature scavenger hunt. Let creation spark conversation.
People Smart: Host a game night. Face-to-face fun builds social confidence.
Self Smart: Encourage quiet time for prayer, journaling, or reflection. Ask, “Who are you becoming?”
Let’s Not Settle for “Connected” When We Were Made for Community
Technology is here to stay—but so are we. As parents, teachers, and mentors, we have a powerful role to play. Let’s help our kids find real belonging—not in clicks or views, but in relationships rooted in truth.
Because when we choose presence over pixels, our kids remember who they are—loved, seen, known.
And that’s the kind of mental health boost no app can provide.