Screen use linked to teen mental‑health issues and family disconnect

Recent research shows that more than three‑quarters of parents and around 70% of children use mobile devices during family meals, eroding traditional conversation time. Studies published in JAMA Pediatrics and The Family Journal report that smartphones at the dinner table significantly reduce face‑to‑face interaction.

A UNICEF‑UNESCO report on Argentine youth found that 46% of children aged 9‑17 experienced problems related to internet, mobile phone or video‑game use, with experts warning that excessive screen time hampers eye contact and social skills. Psychologists cite rising anxiety, sleep disturbances and difficulty maintaining personal relationships among adolescents.

The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, proposes tighter age‑based restrictions on social‑media access, suggesting that children under 13 should use platforms only under adult supervision and that tech firms should bear a “duty of care” for user safety. Parallel initiatives in Chile, Indonesia and Bolivia emphasize promoting healthy digital habits, encouraging shared screen time, and using board games to rebuild interpersonal bonds.

Health professionals recommend dialogue about digital experiences, setting family‑wide rules, limiting screen duration, and balancing online activities with sport, hobbies and face‑to‑face interaction to protect mental well‑being.