April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the causes of stress in our lives and explore meaningful ways to improve our well-being. One of the most overlooked yet significant contributors to stress today is excessive screen time, particularly the overuse of smartphones, social media, and digital entertainment, especially among children and teenagers.

As a physician and advocate for optimal health, I have witnessed firsthand the negative effects of technology overuse on both mental and physical well-being. At Solidarity, we believe that true healthcare includes preventing potential health risks and protecting the well-being of our families. It’s time to take a closer look at how screens are shaping our children’s development and what we can do to safeguard their health.

The Science Behind Screen Time and Stress

Excessive screen exposure impacts the brain in ways we are only beginning to understand. Studies show that prolonged screen time, particularly when that time includes social media use, increases stress hormones like cortisol, disrupts sleep, and leads to heightened anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.¹ Here’s why:

• Dopamine Addiction
  Social media platforms are designed to hijack the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) in short bursts, much like gambling or substance addiction. Over time, this can create dependency, where children crave constant digital validation while experiencing higher stress and lower self-worth when they don’t receive it.
• Sleep Disruptions
  The blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin production and is excitatory, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Poor sleep quality is directly linked to increased anxiety, depression, and attention problems.
• Increased Anxiety & Depression
  Cyberbullying, online comparison, and social isolation caused by excessive screen use have been linked to rising rates of mental health disorders in children and teens. According to the CDC, suicide rates among adolescents have increased significantly in the smartphone era.
• Physical Health Risks
  Excessive screen time is also associated with eye strain, headaches, obesity, and poor posture, all of which contribute to long-term health issues.²

The Role of Social Media in Childhood Stress

One of the greatest concerns we face is the impact of social media on developing minds. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat expose children to a constant flow of unrealistic beauty standards, harmful content, and online peer pressure. Many of these platforms rely on algorithms that promote outrage, divisiveness, and addictive engagement, leading to stress, anxiety, and even social withdrawal.^3,4

In addition, the rise of pornography addiction among youth has become a silent epidemic, fueled by unrestricted access to digital content. At Solidarity, we recognize this as a serious public health crisis affecting mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We work with resources like Catholic Psych and Pastoral Solutions to support individuals struggling with digital addictions, including excessive social media and pornography use.

How Parents Can Take Action

As parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to set healthy digital boundaries and promote real-world connections. Here are a few key strategies:

1. Set Screen Time Limits – Use parental controls and designate tech-free zones, especially during meals, before bedtime, and in bedrooms.
2. Encourage Outdoor Activities & Real-Life Socialization – Children need face-to-face interactions, outdoor play, and physical movement for healthy development.
3. Delay Smartphone and Social Media Access – Many experts recommend waiting until at least age 14 before allowing unsupervised access to smartphones and social media.
4. Model Healthy Digital Habits – If we want our children to unplug, we must lead by example. Reduce your own screen time and prioritize family connections.
5. Educate About Digital Dangers – Have honest conversations with your children about the risks of excessive screen time, social media manipulation, and online safety.

Reclaiming Childhood

Technology is not inherently bad—it can be a powerful tool for education, communication, and connection. But without boundaries and intentional use, it can quickly become a source of stress, anxiety, and addiction. At Solidarity, we are committed to promoting comprehensive healthcare. Treating illness effectively often includes preventing harm and fostering mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This Stress Awareness Month, let’s challenge ourselves to reclaim balance in our families, limit unnecessary screen exposure, and cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections.  

Are you struggling with digital addiction or looking for mental health resources? Solidarity HealthShare provides access to faith-based counseling and wellness support to help families navigate today’s biggest health challenges. Learn more.

In Solidarity,

1. Devi KA, Singh SK. The hazards of excessive screen time: Impacts on physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. J Educ Health Promot. 2023 Nov 27;12:413. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_447_23. PMID: 38333167; PMCID: PMC10852174. ↩︎
2. Devi KA, Singh SK. The hazards of excessive screen time: Impacts on physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. J Educ Health Promot. 2023 Nov 27;12:413. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_447_23. PMID: 38333167; PMCID: PMC10852174. ↩︎
3. Gurtala JC, Fardouly J. Does medium matter? Investigating the impact of viewing ideal image or short-form video content on young women’s body image, mood, and self-objectification. Body Image. 2023 Sep;46:190-201. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.06.005. Epub 2023 Jun 23. PMID: 37354877. ↩︎
4. Merino M, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Rubio-Zarapuz A, Villanueva-Tobaldo CV, Martín-Rodríguez A, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jul 12;12(14):1396. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12141396. PMID: 39057539; PMCID:
   PMC11276240. ↩︎