The ever-increasing prevalence of screens and digital technologies in the lives of adolescents has raised concerns about their potential impact on mental health and well-being now and into the future.

This presentation will share data from a large Australian survey conducted in 2023, involving 3,734 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years. This survey is part of The Future Proofing Study, which has been collecting a comprehensive range of data about adolescents’ mental health, relationships, and life experiences.

This presentation will shed light on the intricate relationship between screen and technology use and the mental health and well-being of adolescents. I will explore how adolescents are using technology in everyday life, and how this is associated with mental health, well-being, relationships, loneliness, and sleep. I will also discuss how different types of screen use including social media, gaming, video streaming, and content creation are associated with mental health and explore whether there are differences between the different social media apps (e.g. TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram). As there is research indicating a complex relationship between technology use and mental health, I will also explore the ways in which technology may have positive impacts on this generation.

By better understanding the nuances surrounding technology use and mental health, policymakers, educators, parents, and young people themselves can develop more effective strategies to support well-being in an increasingly digital world.