Smartphones and Childhood Mental Health

Problem or Solution?

The intersection of technology and youth mental health is a growing concern. While excessive social media and screen use have been linked to emotional and physical challenges, technology itself may also offer solutions. At Luminare Health, we understand the potential benefits of telehealth behavioral healthcare solutions for children and teens, and we have years of experience in making them work for our clients. For benefits brokers and employers, understanding the value of this technology is critical to supporting members and their families.

A Problem with Technology—and a Potential Solution

Excessive smartphone and social media use among teens is a well-documented concern. According to the American Psychological Association, 41% of teens with the highest social media use rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General publicly called for a warning label on social media platforms. Alarmingly, 51% of teens spend over four hours daily accessing social media on their phones, according to a Gallup study. Prolonged screen time has been associated with issues like obesity, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety.
 
However, technology can also be part of the solution. Telehealth services such as those we offer, particularly in behavioral health, have emerged as a transformative tool for families addressing mental health concerns. Offering the option of virtual therapy for children has improved access to care, especially in underserved or rural areas. These services eliminate logistical barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts, and research shows their effectiveness matches that of in-person counseling, especially for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Smartphones—the same devices often associated with mental health challenges—can play a vital role in delivering mental health support through appointment reminders, updates, and digital counseling platforms. Telehealth is helping bridge the gap between the problems caused by technology and its potential to foster healing.

Navigating This Challenge

As a benefits decision maker, you have a unique opportunity to offer solutions for child and adolescent mental health. By including comprehensive telehealth benefits in your benefit plan, you can support employees and their families. Robust mental health telehealth options—such as access to virtual counseling platforms for kids and teens—can provide essential care for members’ children while also supporting the members themselves.

Telehealth therapy services for kids address a pressing need for accessible care while helping employers foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. These solutions can mitigate the adverse effects of excessive screen use and social media activity while providing families with access to the mental health resources they need.

Investing in Technology-Driven Mental Health Benefits

For employers, telehealth behavioral health programs for kids and teens offer more than just a response to a crisis—they are an investment in workforce well-being. By embracing these solutions, employers can address the impact of technology on youth mental health, support their employees, and differentiate themselves in a competitive talent landscape.

As a broker, highlighting these technology-driven mental health solutions can position you as a strategic partner, helping clients navigate the challenges of a digital world while supporting the mental health needs of their employees and their families. Connect with us through the contact form below to find out more about how you can help your clients and their members.