As children and teens head into summer break with more free time and increased access to phones, gaming and social media, mental health experts say parents should pay close attention to how screen use may be affecting emotional well-being, sleep, attention and behavior.

“Technology is part of everyday life, especially for young people, but excessive or unhealthy screen use can sometimes contribute to anxiety, irritability, sleep disruption and difficulty focusing,” said Dr. Sara Coffey, psychiatrist at OSU Medicine and Anne & Henry Zarrow Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU Center for Health Sciences. “The goal is not to eliminate technology altogether, but to help families develop healthier digital habits and recognize when screen use may be negatively affecting a child’s mental health.”