Screen Time and Suicidal Behavior

Abstract

AIM: The widespread use of technology raises concerns about the risks associated with elevated screen time among adolescents. The present study explored whether electronic bullying mediates the relationship between screen time and suicidal behavior among high school students. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The sample consisted of 17,232 high school students. RESULTS: Of the total, 39.2% of the sample reported high screen time, and 15.9% reported experiencing electronic bullying. Both screen time and electronic bullying were significantly associated with increased sadness/hopelessness, suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts. Electronic bullying partially mediated the relationship between screen time and all suicidality outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the complex interplay between screen time, electronic bullying, and suicidal behavior among high school students. Furthermore, findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to mitigate suicide risk in adolescents.