AMA study: Kids constantly on devices twice as likely to develop mental health issues

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With summer almost here, and school almost out, a new study has a word of warning for parents: too much screen time can be hazardous to a child’s mental health.

The American Medical Association found that nearly half of the nation’s young people were on a track to become addicted to their cell phones.

Researchers said kids who spend extensive time on social media and mobile phones have at least twice the likelihood of developing mental health issues.

Girls were found to be at higher risk of social media addiction, while boys trended towards addictive video game use.