A study has revealed increased screen time may not be driving the rise in teen mental health problems. A new UK study tracking nearly 25,000 children ages 11 to 14 over three school years found no evidence that higher levels of social media use or gaming caused worse mental health outcomes in the following year. The research, conducted by the University of Manchester and published in the Journal of Public Health, monitored students\u2019 screen habits alongside their emotional well-being as they progressed through school. The study found that while teens\u2019 social media use and gaming increased each year, those changes did not negatively affect students\u2019 mental health. Lead author, Dr. Qiqi Cheng, told The Guardian, \u201cthe drivers of mental health problems in young people are far more complex than just screen time.\u201d Co-author Professor Neil Humphrey echoed that sentiment, telling the outlet the findings suggest teens\u2019 online behavior may reflect how they are already feeling rather than cause distress. Researchers emphasized that understanding how teens use their devices\u2014rather than focusing on screen time alone\u2014may be key to addressing youth mental health concerns.<\/p>\n