Screens at University: When Online Time Raises Suicidal Thought Risk

Digital life is part of mental health Students spend hours online for study, connection, and entertainment. But a Boston University study using Healthy Minds Network data (American Journal of Public Health, July 2026) found that excessive screen time and online harassment independently raise the risk of suicidal ideation. Key findings Online time and online harassment are separate risk factors The screen-time link to suicidal thoughts was strongest among cisgender men Online harassment raised risk across all gender groups Digital habits should be part of mental health assessment What students and parents can do Track not only hours, but the emotional "aftertaste" of being online Have a plan: where to turn after harassment or hate Build offline supports: friends, sport, sleep, phone-free study Normalize talking about digital stress — especially among young men When you need urgent help If thoughts of self-harm or suicide appear — contact a crisis line, doctor, or trusted person immediately. Digital support does not replace emergency care. How AI PSY HELP helps AI PSY HELP is available 24/7 and can be a first step: to listen, help you calm down, and suggest when in-person help is needed. ODAM keeps context and helps notice risky patterns. Get support