Teens, Phones and Mental Health: Setting Healthy Boundaries

Phones and social platforms can support learning and social contact, but certain patterns of use may disrupt sleep, school and wellbeing.

Key symptoms or background

Look beyond total screen hours to late-night use, loss of control and replacement of offline activities. Effects vary between teenagers.

What can you do?

Agree on realistic family rules and listen to the young person before imposing bans. Self-harm talk, severe withdrawal or functional decline warrants professional support.

Before talking to a specialist

Before a consultation, record situations, duration and concrete impacts on daily life. Do not wait for a routine appointment when immediate safety is at risk.

Frequently asked question

When should professional support be considered?

Consider an assessment when symptoms persist or significantly affect sleep, relationships or daily functioning.

Source and further reading

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens--screens-and-mental-health