We’ve all been there. You tell them it’s time to get off Roblox, and they look at you like you’ve just deleted their entire existence. It’s easy to write this off as "kids being kids" or a lack of discipline, but 2025 research into digital wellness shows something much more complex is happening.

When a kid says "just five more minutes," they aren't usually trying to be defiant. They are often stuck in a dopamine loop. Apps like TikTok and games like Fortnite are engineered with "variable reward schedules"—the same mechanism used in slot machines. Their brains are literally waiting for the next "hit" of excitement, and cutting it off mid-stream feels like a physical crash.

The mental health "vicious circle" starts when screens stop being a fun diversion and start being a primary coping mechanism. If your kid is having an "Ohio" day (that’s Gen Alpha for weird or cringey) and feels socially awkward, they retreat to YouTube Shorts. The algorithm feeds them exactly what they want to see, their brain numbs out, and when they finally look up, they feel even more disconnected from the real world.

In 2026, we’ve moved past the idea that all screen time is equal. There is a massive difference between a kid spending two hours coding a game on Scratch and two hours watching Skibidi Toilet memes.

The latter is what kids (and increasingly, researchers) call "brain rot." It’s low-effort, high-stimulation content that provides zero cognitive challenge but keeps the eyes glued to the screen. This type of passive consumption is most closely linked to irritability, shortened attention spans, and "digital hangovers."

Learn more about the "brain rot" phenomenon and how it affects focus

For older kids and teens, the mental health struggle shifts from dopamine loops to social comparison.

Apps like Instagram and Snapchat are essentially 24/7 popularity contests. Even if they know "filters aren't real," the lizard brain doesn't care. They see a peer’s curated highlight reel and subconsciously rank their own "behind-the-scenes" life as inferior.

This fuels the circle:

If we want to protect their mental health, we don't necessarily need to smash the iPads. We need to pivot them toward high-agency media—content that requires them to build, think, or reflect.

Instead of the high-stress, "battle royale" vibes of Fortnite, suggest a "cozy game." Stardew teaches delayed gratification. You plant a parsnip, you wait, you water it, and eventually, you get a reward. It’s the perfect antidote to the "instant hit" culture of most modern apps.

If you're looking for a way to actually talk about these feelings, this movie is a godsend. It introduces "Anxiety" as a character, making it much easier for kids to identify that "tight feeling" in their chest after too much screen time. It’s one of the few sequels that actually improves on the original’s emotional depth.

For a screen-free reset, this book (and the movie) is incredible. It deals with technology, nature, and belonging in a way that resonates deeply with kids who feel like "glitches" in a digital world.

For younger kids (Ages 6-9), this is digital dollhouse play. It’s open-ended and creative, rather than being a series of "levels" they have to beat. It allows for storytelling rather than just reaction-based gaming.

At this age, the focus should be on transitioning. The "vicious circle" starts with the meltdown when the screen goes away.

This is the peak of "brain rot" and the beginning of "Ohio" humor. It’s also when Roblox starts to feel like a social necessity.

By now, they are likely on TikTok or Instagram.

Check out our guide on how to talk to teens about social media algorithms

The latest data from 2025 emphasizes "Techno-interference." This isn't just about the kid's screen time—it's about ours. When we "phub" (phone-snub) our kids to check an email or scroll Threads, it signals to them that the digital world is more important than the physical one. This increases their anxiety and makes them more likely to seek solace in their own devices.

Also, keep an eye on "Parasocial Relationships." Kids today feel like they are "friends" with creators like MrBeast. When these creators face controversies or post high-stress "challenge" content, it can actually impact a child's emotional state more than we realize.

Instead of saying "Get off your phone, it's making you depressed" (which will result in an immediate eye-roll), try:

Screen time is a tool, not a monster. But like any tool, it can be used to build something great or it can accidentally cause a lot of damage. The goal for 2026 isn't total abstinence—it’s intentionality.

By moving away from "infinite scroll" apps and toward high-agency games like Minecraft or creative tools like Scratch, you help your child step out of the "vicious circle" and into a more balanced digital life.

Ask our chatbot for a personalized list of 'cozy' games for your child's age