Engaging With Mature Media Content Is Linked to Depression and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Childhood and Early Adolescents

Rises in adolescent media use have paralleled increases in youth major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Studies linking screen time and decreased mental health focus on older adolescents and overlook media content. This study examined how frequency and content of media related to MDD and STBs in children and early adolescents enriched for psychopathology. Youth ages 8-12 (N = 191; M_age = 10.13) completed clinical interviews assessing MDD and STBs. They reported how frequently they engage with (a) different media formats, (b) media portraying different mature content, and (c) media centered on suicide. Greater self-reported media use, regardless of format, was associated with increased odds of MDD. Engagement with violent and substance-related themes was associated with increased odds of both MDD and STBs. Increased engagement with suicide-related content was specifically associated with STBs. Findings underscore the importance of considering content in addition to duration of media exposure.