Teen Depression Symptoms Nearly Three Times as Common Among Heavy Screen Users

More than one in four U.S. teenagers spending at least four hours a day on recreational screens reported recent depression symptoms, compared with fewer than one in ten spending less time.

Based on a nationally representative survey of 1,952 U.S. teenagers aged 12–17, conducted between July 2021 and December 2023. Screen time refers to a typical weekday and excludes schoolwork.
Chart: David AverreSource: CDC / National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey–Teen (2021–2023); Preventing Chronic Disease (2025).