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A new study from Rutgers University challenges the popular belief that limiting screen time can help reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts in teenagers. The research, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, reveals that the amount of time adolescents spend on social media does not significantly predict whether they experience suicidal ideation. Instead, it is the content they engage with and the emotional responses it triggers that play a far more significant role in their mental health.
Jessica L. Hamilton, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Rutgers, led the study and emphasized that it is not the duration of social media use, but rather the nature of the content encountered, that influences a teen’s mental well-being. “The amount of time a teenager spends on social media appears to be a poor predictor of suicidal ideation,” Hamilton said. “Given that, we should be paying more attention to how social media makes users feel.”
The study, which involved 60 high schoolers aged 14 to 17 from across the country, tracked emotional responses and social media use over an eight-week period. Participants completed surveys three times daily about their feelings and whether they had thoughts of suicide, as well as weekly surveys on their social media habits.
The researchers found that when teens had more negative experiences online, such as being subjected to cyberbullying or feeling excluded, they were more likely to report suicidal thoughts. In contrast, positive experiences—such as receiving supportive or encouraging comments—were linked to a lower likelihood of suicidal ideation. However, there was no direct correlation between the amount of time spent on social media and the presence of suicidal thoughts.
“On days when teens reported more frequent negative social media experiences, they were more likely to report suicidal ideation, while more positive social media experiences were associated with a lower likelihood of having suicidal ideation,” Hamilton explained.
These findings suggest that addressing the emotional impact of social media is more important than simply reducing screen time. Hamilton advocates for a shift in focus toward creating positive online environments and enhancing connectedness. For parents, this means engaging in conversations with their children about their online experiences. For policymakers and technology companies, Hamilton suggests fostering features that promote positive interaction and reduce harmful content.
“We need to move beyond social media screen time as the answer if we want to reduce teen suicide risk and promote their mental health,” Hamilton said.
This study also stands out due to its methodology. Unlike many previous studies that rely on large datasets to observe broad trends, Hamilton’s team gathered individual-level data, allowing them to better understand how personal social media habits and emotional reactions influence mental health.
The research underscores the importance of focusing on the quality of online interactions, rather than merely limiting screen time, to safeguard teen mental health and prevent suicide.
For more information, see the original study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13996).
