Is Screen Time Wrecking Our Mental Health? Phones, Stress & Simple Boundaries

Too many of us wake up, grab a screen, and never really put it down. Then we wonder why we feel anxious, fried, or disconnected from the people right in front of us.

In this episode, Jonathan and Dr. Mark break down the link between screen time and mental health, for adults, teens, and kids, and offer simple ways to build healthier tech habits without pretending phones don’t exist.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• How constant screen time affects stress, sleep, and emotional regulation
• Why kids’ and teens’ brains are especially vulnerable to phone and social media overuse
• What “dopamine hits” and notifications actually do to our nervous system over time
• How multitasking and “doom scrolling” quietly drain creativity and increase burnout
• Practical ideas for screen-free zones, tech boundaries at home, and “90s weeks”
• How to take an honest inventory of your own screen use and make small, realistic changes

We’re not here to demonize phones or shame anyone. Screens are part of life. The goal is to understand how they’re shaping our mental health, and what you can do to move the needle even 10% in a better direction between now and January 1.

Helpful Resources

We’ll include research and a few simple tools in the show notes to help you:

• Reflect on your current tech habits

• Set age-appropriate guidelines for kids and teens

• Experiment with “analog” practices that give your brain a real rest

If you find this conversation helpful, share it with a friend, leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

Every share helps us simplify mental health for more people who need it.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Mark Mayfield is a licensed clinician, but this podcast does not provide therapy. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional in your area. If you need help, and don't know where to turn to find suitable care, reach out. We can help point you in the right direction.
If you are in crisis or considering self-harm, contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately. You’re not alone, and support is available.