Evidence-Based Guidance
The recommendations on Disconnecting.org are grounded in peer-reviewed research, clinical expertise, and public health guidance. Below you'll find key studies, reports, and resources that inform our approach to family digital wellness.
Major Reports & Guidelines
Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of the Surgeon General (2023)
Key Findings: Up to 95% of youth ages 13-17 report using social media, with more than one-third using it "almost constantly." Evidence suggests that excessive or problematic social media use is associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Read the full report →
Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence
American Psychological Association
APA (2023)
Key Recommendations: Parents should monitor adolescent social media use, limit use that interferes with sleep and physical activity, and coach children on emotional regulation strategies around social media content.
Read the advisory →
Children and Teens and Social Media
American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP (Updated 2023)
Key Guidance: Recommends a Family Media Use Plan, tech-free zones (bedrooms, mealtimes), and modeling healthy digital habits. Emphasizes that parental involvement is crucial for healthy social media use.
View guidance →
Sleep & Screen Time
Association of Screen Time and Depression in Adolescence
Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K.
JAMA Pediatrics (2018)
Key Finding: Adolescents who spent more time on screen activities (social media, gaming, texting) were significantly more likely to report depression symptoms. The association was stronger for girls than boys.
Read study →
The Relationship Between Screen Time and Sleep in Teens
Hale, L., & Guan, S.
Sleep Medicine Reviews (2015)
Key Finding: Screen time, particularly before bedtime, is consistently associated with poor sleep quality, delayed sleep timing, and insufficient sleep duration in children and adolescents. Blue light exposure and cognitive stimulation both contribute.
Read review →
Adolescent Sleep and the Impact of Technology Use Before Sleep
Cain, N., & Gradisar, M.
Journal of Adolescence (2010)
Key Finding: Late-night technology use was associated with going to bed later and getting up to 2 hours less sleep per night. Teens using social media before bed had significantly worse sleep quality.
Read study →
Mental Health & Well-Being
No More FOMO: Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression
Hunt, M. G., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J.
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology (2018)
Key Finding: Limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day led to significant reductions in loneliness and depression over three weeks. The findings suggest that social media use directly affects well-being.
Read study →
Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Kelly, Y., et al.
EClinicalMedicine (2019)
Key Finding: Greater social media use, particularly 3+ hours daily, was associated with poorer mental health. Effects were mediated by cyberbullying, sleep problems, and reduced physical activity.
Read study →
Digital Media and Child Mental Health
Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K.
Nature Human Behaviour (2020)
Key Finding: While effects vary by individual, digital media use shows small but measurable negative associations with well-being. Context, content, and individual differences matter greatly.
Read study →
Family Connection & Relationships
The Displacement Hypothesis: Technology and Family Time
Radesky, J., et al.
Pediatrics (2015)
Key Finding: Parent smartphone use during meals and family time was associated with fewer verbal and nonverbal interactions with children. "Technoference" disrupts parent-child connection.
Read study →
Family Dinner and Adolescent Development
Eisenberg, M. E., Olson, R. E., Neumark-Sztainer, D., Story, M., & Bearinger, L. H.
Journal of Adolescent Health (2004)
Key Finding: Frequent family meals are associated with better academic performance, psychological adjustment, and lower rates of substance abuse. Device-free meals amplify these benefits.
Read study →
Parents' and Children's Media Use and Attitudes
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Census (2023)
Key Finding: 48% of parents feel their teens are "addicted" to devices. 59% of parents worry about the influence of social media on their child's physical and mental health.
View census →
Additional Resources
Organizations & Advocacy
Wait Until 8th
Parent-led pledge to delay smartphones until 8th grade
Visit site →
Center for Humane Technology
Educating about persuasive design and tech ethics
Visit site →
Common Sense Media
Research, ratings, and resources for families
Visit site →
Books & Further Reading
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Haidt, Jonathan (2024)
Penguin Press
iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy
Twenge, Jean M. (2017)
Atria Books
The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place
Crouch, Andy (2017)
Baker Books
A Note on Research
The relationship between technology and well-being is complex and evolving. While correlations are clear, causation is harder to establish. Individual differences matter—what works for one family may not work for another.
This research supports the principles of moderation, intentionality, and balance—not fear or total avoidance. Our goal is to help families make informed choices that work for them.