What is Social Media Doing to Kids? with Dr. Jean Twenge - The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Recap

Podcast: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Published: 2026-03-20

Duration: 2086

Guests: Dr. Jean Twenge

What Happened

Rates of depression and loneliness among young people have surged over the past decade, with many researchers attributing this to smartphones and social media. Dr. Jean Twenge has been at the forefront of studying how technology affects adolescent happiness, contributing to the 2026 World Happiness Report. She notes that heavy social media users are significantly more likely to experience clinical-level depression, with the risks increasing by 50% to 200%.

Findings from a 2025 meta-analysis demonstrated that reducing social media use for three weeks or more can lead to significant reductions in depression and improvements in psychological well-being. The PISA 2022 data revealed that heavy social media use among girls correlates with lower life satisfaction, particularly in Western Europe and English-speaking countries. For boys, the data showed mixed results, with some regions unaffected, but the heaviest users reported lower academic performance.

Dr. Jean Twenge emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with technology. Schools that have banned phones during the day have seen mental health benefits and improved academic performance, especially among girls. She suggests that parents delay smartphone ownership until children obtain a driver's license to promote real-world independence.

The episode discusses the misconception that smartphones are essential for safety, highlighting that this belief often stems from parental anxiety rather than actual necessity. School safety experts advise against phones during emergencies, as they can cause distractions and hinder emergency responses. Australia has implemented age verification regulations for social media users, setting the minimum age at sixteen.

Dr. Jean Twenge shares personal insights from her book, 'Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World', drawing from her own experiences with her children. The book offers practical advice, such as no phones in the bedroom overnight to improve sleep quality. These rules aim to develop healthier relationships with technology for better mental health.

Despite the challenges, technology itself is not inherently harmful. Dr. Jean Twenge argues that the limits we set around smartphone use are crucial for safeguarding mental health. Her approach suggests that moderation and mindful use of technology can mitigate its negative impacts.

Key Insights

• Depression and loneliness rates among young people have risen significantly since 2012, correlating with increased smartphone and social media use. Heavy social media users are 50% to 200% more likely to experience clinical depression.
• A 2025 meta-analysis found that reducing social media use for three weeks can significantly decrease depression and enhance psychological well-being. This reduction is particularly beneficial for adolescents.
• Data from the PISA 2022 study indicates that heavy social media use among girls is linked to lower life satisfaction, especially in English-speaking countries and Western Europe. Boys' results were mixed, with some showing no negative effects.
• Dr. Jean Twenge's book suggests delaying smartphone ownership until children have a driver's license to foster independence. Schools with no-phone policies report improved student mental health and academic performance.