A 2025 poll from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan asked American parents of children ages one to 18 about their views on various child health topics including bullying, internet safety, lack of physical activity, parental stress and diet.
The Mott poll report, released in August, found that a majority of parents surveyed, 69%, think the physical health of American children and teens is getting worse. And even more parents are worried about their kids’ emotional wellbeing: 83% believe the mental health of U.S. children and teens is also on the decline.
Results of the poll also show that parents believe social media, too much screen time, and internet safety to be some of the top concerns kids are facing today.
“Since the increased use of social media starting around 2010, the prevalence of mental health problems in youth has also increased significantly,” according to the report. “This increase, particularly in depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts continued through the COVID-19 pandemic years.”
Jonathan Haidt, social scientist and author of “The Anxious Generation,” is one of the many experts sounding an alarm about the connection between increased anxiety and depression among young people and smartphones and social media.
