Much like playtime, soccer Saturdays, and holiday travels, screens have become just part of life for kids now. In 2025, parents, teachers, and even doctors keep bumping into the same problem: digital addiction, especially in the younger population.



Sure, screens do have their upsides — kids learn, play, and connect. But as more kids get sucked into social media, games, and never-ending videos, the downsides are getting more prominent to ignore.



Lately, experts aren’t just talking about how much time kids spend in front of screens, but what they’re actually doing — and why. New studies from around the world show that compulsive screen use and the problems that come with it are on the rise. In fact, this year, researchers have found clear links between digital addiction and all sorts of mental and emotional struggles in kids.



So, what have scientists and psychologists learned in 2025 about kids and screens?





Kids and screens: What we learned so far



What’s been eye-opening this year is witnessing the digital addiction up close. And what’s striking is that the conversation about screens moved past the old “how many hours is too many?” question. This year, researchers studied how kids use screens, not just how long.



And they looked closely at how screens messed with kids’ mental health, emotions, and even physical health. Turns out, digital addiction isn’t just about how long kids stare at a screen — it’s about the routines, the habits, and why it’s so hard for them to put the phone or controller down in the first place.





From screen time to screen addiction



One big takeaway from 2025: not all screen time is equal. found that kids who fall into addictive use — think social media, nonstop texting, or marathon gaming — face way higher risks for mental health issues than those who use screens in balance. Addiction isn’t just about using a device a lot; it’s things like not being able to stop, getting upset when you’re not online, or turning to screens to escape problems. By age 14, many kids in the study showed these patterns, and along with them came more anxiety, depression, anger, and even suicidal thoughts.



Experts say we need to stop just counting hours. The real problem is compulsive use — and that’s what’s actually tied to worse mental health. Just setting time limits doesn’t fix the underlying issue.







Screen use and emotional well-being



New research points to a cycle that’s tough to break. Kids who are already feeling anxious or down tend to reach for their screens more often. But the more they use them, the worse those feelings can get. It’s a loop: screens offer fast rewards and endless distraction, which makes them hard for young brains to resist. Over time, constant screen use cuts into sleep, exercise, and real-life social time — all the stuff kids actually need to feel good.





Mental health: It’s about how, not just how much



It’s not just about feeling a little down, either. Kids stuck in addictive screen use, especially with social media and games, are two to three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors than kids who aren’t. The quality of screen time matters a lot more than just the raw number of hours. Other studies this year found that kids with problem screen habits were also more anxious, more depressed, more aggressive, and broke more rules — all things that worry parents and doctors.





Physical health and development



The damage isn’t only in kids’ minds. Too much screen time means more sitting, less moving, and worse sleep. Over time, that raises risks for obesity and heart problems. Researchers say screens actually steal time from sleep and play — both crucial for healthy growth.



There’s more: kids glued to devices for hours often have trouble paying attention, don’t do as well in school, and miss out on chances to build language and social skills. All because they’re spending less time talking, playing, and learning face-to-face.







Practical lessons for families in 2025



Let’s be real — getting rid of screens just isn’t going to happen. They’re wrapped up in everything from school assignments to hanging out with friends. The trick now is a smarter, more balanced use.

• To begin with, don’t just count hours — pay attention to how and why your kids use screens. If they seem glued to their devices out of stress or habit, that’s a bigger red flag than just time spent.


• Then, mix things up. Nudge your kids toward activities that get them moving, creating, or spending time with others face-to-face.


• Make sure they stick to routines that make sense. A regular bedtime, screen-free meals, and breaks before sleep do wonders for everyone’s mood.


• Finally, keep the channel of communication open. Talk openly about tech — what’s fun, what feels unhealthy, and how to spot the difference.

What’s next



If 2025 tells us anything, it’s that screens are here to stay, but they’re only one piece of childhood. Research keeps shifting, but one thing stands out: random screen-time limits don’t do as much good as helping kids build healthy habits and stepping in early when things start to go sideways. When families get what makes screens so addictive — and help kids create better routines — everyone gets to enjoy the good side of technology without falling into the pitfalls.