What Teens Want on the Screen

by Jon Scaccia October 24, 2024

We live in a time when screens dominate nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and nowhere is this more evident than in the lives of today’s teens. While the rapid rise of screen-based media has created countless opportunities for entertainment, education, and connection, it’s also brought new challenges, particularly for mental health. Recent research from the Teens and Screens 2024 Report provides valuable insights into how adolescents interact with media and the effects these interactions have on their mental well-being.

This blog will unpack some of the most compelling findings from the report, offering critical takeaways for parents, educators, and school mental health professionals who are working to support today’s youth.

A Generation Immersed in Screens

Picture this: a teenager spends hours scrolling through TikTok, binge-watching Netflix shows, or engaging in online gaming with friends. For many of today’s youth, this is not a rare occurrence but a daily routine. According to the Teens and Screens 2024 Report, American adolescents now spend up to nine hours a day on screens outside of school. That’s more time than they spend interacting with their peers or even sleeping in some cases.

This screen saturation is not inherently negative. After all, screens provide entertainment and educational content, help teens connect with their peers, and can even serve as tools for self-expression. However, the impact on mental health is where the concern lies. The report highlights a growing trend: teens are increasingly using screens to escape from reality, often in search of relief from stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions.

This begs the question: Are screens becoming a coping mechanism, and if so, what are the mental health implications?

Escaping Reality Through Fantasy

One of the most striking findings from the Teens and Screens 2024 Report is the rise in demand for fantasy-based content. A staggering 36.2% of teens reported that they prefer watching TV shows and movies that allow them to escape from reality. Fantasy, in particular, has surged in popularity, with many teens seeking out worlds far removed from their own lives.

For mental health professionals working in schools, this could be a red flag. While fantasy content can provide a healthy outlet for creativity and imagination, an overreliance on escape can signal deeper issues. For some teens, constantly turning to fictional worlds might indicate they’re struggling to manage the stress of their real lives, whether it’s academic pressures, social challenges, or mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

So, what does this mean for parents and educators? While fantasy content isn’t harmful on its own, it’s important to check in with teens to ensure that they are not using it as their sole means of coping with stress.

Social Media: Friend or Foe?

Another major finding from the report is that social media continues to play a dominant role in adolescent lives, with nearly one-third of teens (31.1%) identifying it as the most authentic media space. Teens turn to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube not only to stay connected with friends but also to share personal stories, find community, and express themselves.

However, social media is a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities for connection, it also amplifies feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and loneliness. The Teens and Screens 2024 Report found that social media is frequently used by teens as a form of escapism, with many citing the desire to “take their minds off things.”

As school counselors and mental health professionals, it’s crucial to guide students toward healthy social media habits. Encourage teens to engage with content that builds them up rather than brings them down. Remind them that what they see on social media is often curated and doesn’t reflect real life.

A Growing Demand for Uplifting Content

Perhaps one of the most hopeful findings from the report is teens’ growing desire for uplifting content. For the third year in a row, teens expressed that they want to see more hopeful, positive stories—particularly those about people overcoming the odds. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, teens are craving narratives that inspire resilience and provide a sense of hope.

For educators and mental health professionals, this is a powerful insight. Positive, hope-filled stories can be a tool for improving mental health and building resilience in young people. Encouraging teens to seek out this type of content—whether in books, TV shows, or movies—can be a small yet significant way to support their emotional well-being.

Practical Steps for Parents and Educators

So, how can parents and school professionals help teens navigate the digital landscape without falling into the mental health traps it sometimes brings? Here are a few actionable steps:

• Encourage balance: Help teens find a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities. Encourage them to pursue hobbies, spend time outdoors, or engage in face-to-face interactions with friends and family.
• Check-in regularly: Use screen time as an opportunity to start conversations with teens about their emotional well-being. Ask them what they’re watching and why. Are they using screens to cope with stress? If so, how can you support them in managing those emotions in other ways?
• Promote uplifting content: Recommend media that features positive, hopeful messages. Whether it’s a movie, book, or YouTube channel, there’s no shortage of content that promotes resilience and kindness.

Conclusion: Supporting Teens in a Screen-Filled World

The Teens and Screens 2024 Report offers a window into the media habits of today’s adolescents, showing how screens are deeply intertwined with their daily lives and emotional well-being. While screens can offer valuable opportunities for connection and creativity, they also come with risks, particularly when used as a form of escapism.

As parents, educators, and mental health professionals, our job is to help teens navigate this complex landscape. By encouraging balance, promoting uplifting content, and staying attuned to their emotional needs, we can ensure that screens serve as tools for growth rather than hindrances to well-being.

What do you think?

1. How do you think screen time affects your teen’s ability to manage stress in daily life?
2. What strategies have you found effective in encouraging a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities?

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