If you're anything like me, you’re constantly negotiating screen time with your kids.

One moment they’re laughing at dog videos, the next they’re glued to a feed that’s making bedtime impossible.

It turns out, our instincts might be spot on.

Dr Samantha Marsh, a researcher at the University of Auckland, says the evidence is now clear: social media is linked to rising rates of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, eating disorders, and low self-esteem in teens.

Her latest report shows the risks are especially high for kids under 16.

She’s calling for a nationwide shift—raising the minimum age for social media to 16 and backing it with public campaigns that speak to teens in their own language.

Think less lecture, more empowerment.

Like the anti-smoking campaigns that didn’t scold, but sparked change.

Schools also have a role to play.

Dr Marsh recommends phone-free policies, limiting device-based homework, and avoiding social media as a way to communicate with students.

For Coastie families, this is a moment to pause and ask: what kind of digital environment do we want for our kids?

Maybe it’s not about banning screens altogether, but helping our teens build healthier habits.

Before the algorithms do it for them.

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