A large Swedish study links rising teen depression to heavy screen use and disrupted sleep. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet tracked thousands of adolescents and found that more screen time was associated with poorer sleep, which in turn predicted higher depressive symptoms.
The study followed 4,810 Swedish youths aged 12 to 16 over one year. It carefully measured daily screen use, sleep patterns, and mood. Results showed a clear pattern: longer screen time correlated with later bedtimes and lower sleep quality, and these sleep problems were connected to greater depression.
Gender differences emerged. For girls, the link from screen use to depression largely flowed through sleep disruption. Sleep duration and quality declined as screen time rose, with depression rising accordingly. For boys, the relationship appeared more direct; sleep was affected, but did not strongly mediate depressive symptoms, suggesting a more immediate effect of screen exposure on mental health.
The findings come as public-health authorities advise limited recreational screen time for teens. In Sweden, the public-health agency recommends keeping screen time to two to three hours daily, aligning with global guidance from international health bodies that stress sleep’s role in mental well-being.
Lead author Sebastian Hökby emphasizes the policy relevance: reducing screen time could help lower depressive states among young people, especially among young women, and potentially benefit boys as well. He calls for broader public-health actions to support healthier digital habits.
For Thai readers, the study offers timely lessons. Thailand’s rapid digitalization means many youths face similar screen-time pressures. Parents and teachers should consider practical steps such as establishing screen-free periods before bedtime, maintaining consistent sleep schedules, and offering engaging activities beyond screens to support healthier routines.
As screens integrate further into daily life, understanding their impact on youth health remains crucial. Future work may explore targeted interventions and the long-term effects of reducing screen use on adolescent well-being.
In short, while technology brings many advantages, mindful screen use is important. Thai educators, health professionals, and policymakers are urged to promote balanced digital habits to help protect the next generation from preventable mental-health challenges.