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Experts tell Senate that screen time, algorithmic feeds and AI chatbots are linked to youth mental‑health and learning harms
Summary
Researchers and clinicians testified that the smartphone era and engagement‑based design contribute to rises in adolescent depression, learning declines and addictive behaviors; witnesses called for design guardrails, age verification, and stronger school filters and third‑party evaluation of EdTech.
Four witnesses presented converging evidence that high levels of screen time and engagement‑optimized product features can harm children’s mental health, learning and development.
Professor Jean Twenge summarized large‑scale generational data and intervention studies, saying major depressive episodes among adolescents ‘‘doubled’’ between 2011 and 2019 and noting declines in some standardized test results after widespread adoption of smartphones in 2012. Twenge recommended raising minimum ages for social media and AI companionship apps, instituting bell‑to‑bell school phone bans and ensuring school devices are restricted to educational content.
Dr. Ja…
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