Quick answer
Common signs a child may be addicted to social media include using apps late into the night, distress when the phone is taken away, pulling away from family and activities, falling grades, constant comparison or changes in eating, and secretive accounts. If you are worried about your child’s health, start with their doctor.
Warning signs parents describe
- Using the apps late into the night and losing sleep
- Distress, anger or panic when the phone is taken away
- Pulling away from family, friends or activities they used to enjoy
- Falling grades or skipping school
- Constant comparison, worry about appearance or changes in eating
- Secretive accounts or contact with people you don’t know
What health experts recommend
The American Psychological Association’s 2023 advisory recommends watching for problematic use, protecting sleep and monitoring younger teens’ use. If you are worried about your child’s health, start with their doctor or a mental-health professional.
When to talk to a lawyer
If heavy use started before 18 and your child developed a serious harm, or spent 20 or more hours a week on one platform, your family may have a claim. The case check is free and confidential.
Common questions
How many hours of social media is too much for a teen?
Health organizations focus less on a single number and more on whether use crowds out sleep, school, activity and relationships. For a legal claim, 20 or more hours a week on one platform before 18 may support an exposure claim.
Does my child need a diagnosis to qualify?
Not necessarily. A diagnosis helps, but the lawyers review every family’s situation. If your child spent 20 or more hours a week on one platform before 18, they can pursue an exposure claim even without medical records.
Does it cost anything to have my case reviewed?
No. The case check is free and confidential. If you hire the firm, the lawyers are paid only from a recovery under a written contingency fee agreement. No recovery, no attorney fee.
Sources: American Psychological Association, Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence (2023); U.S. Surgeon General, Social Media and Youth Mental Health advisory (2023). Attorney advertising by Grove and Associates PLC; responsible attorney Justin Grove. Results in other cases don’t predict the outcome of yours. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice.