A significant new study from The University of Manchester challenges the widely held belief that the amount of time teenagers spend on gaming and social media directly causes mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The research, published in the *Journal of Public Health*, involved over 25,000 pupils aged 11-14 across Greater Manchester, tracking their technology use and emotional well-being over three school years. Lead author Dr. Qiqi Cheng stated that the findings do not support the idea that simply spending time on these platforms leads to mental health issues, suggesting the situation is far more intricate. The study found no direct causal link where heavier social media use or more frequent gaming led to increased symptoms of anxiety or depression in the subsequent year for either boys or girls. However, the researchers emphasize that this does not negate the potential for negative online experiences, such as hurtful messages, online pressures, or exposure to extreme content, to impact well-being. The core message is that focusing solely on "screen time" oversimplifies a complex issue. Instead, attention should be directed towards *what* young people are doing online, *who* they are interacting with, and their overall support systems. This Manchester study aligns with other research indicating a more nuanced relationship. A study published in JAMA by Columbia University researchers, for instance, found that *addictive* use of social media, video games, or mobile phones—rather than just total screen time—was associated with worse mental health outcomes in preteens. Similarly, a 2019 study tracked adolescents and found little evidence of daily or longitudinal links between general digital technology use and mental health problems. Experts from the University of Manchester also highlighted in a separate context that social media bans might not address the root causes of youth mental health problems, which are often multifaceted and influenced by biological, social, and societal factors beyond technology use. These findings collectively urge a shift from blanket blame on screen time to a more comprehensive understanding of adolescent digital engagement and mental well-being.