These days, it feels like bad news is everywhere. One quick scroll through social media, and you’re hit with headlines about disasters, conflicts, and every crisis imaginable. As adults, we know how heavy that can feel. Now imagine kids—still figuring out how the world works—absorbing all that negativity. It’s no wonder many of them are falling into a habit called doomscrolling.

If you haven’t heard the term before, it simply means scrolling through endless negative news online. And while it sounds harmless at first, studies show it can take a toll on mental health. The American Psychological Association reports that consuming too much distressing news increases stress and anxiety, especially in younger people. For kids and teens who don’t have strong coping skills, that impact can be even more intense.

We’ve always been big on setting limits with gadgets. When my kids were little, they only got two hours of screen time a day—non-negotiable. And even now, the rule stands: at night, the phones go to us. But here’s what I’ve noticed—boundaries are great, yet the pull of social media is strong. Algorithms thrive on negative content, and before you know it, kids can spiral into a cycle of scrolling without even realizing how much it affects their mood.

In this post, we’ll talk about what doomscrolling is, why kids do it, and the signs to watch for. Most importantly, I’ll share practical tips on how to help your child break free from this habit without turning it into a daily battle.

Why Kids Get Hooked on Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling is a habit that can sneak up on anyone. One headline turns into ten, and before you know it, half an hour is gone.

So, why do kids find themselves stuck in this cycle?

First, our brains are wired to pay attention to danger. Psychologists call it negativity bias—bad news grabs our focus because it feels important for survival. Social media platforms know this and feed users more of what keeps them engaged. One sad video? Here come five more.

Now, let’s look at what makes kids especially vulnerable:

They’re Curious About the World

Teens want to understand what’s happening beyond their immediate circle. If they see a post about a big event, they’ll click for more details.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Social media is their news source. If everyone is talking about a disaster or trending crisis, they don’t want to feel out of the loop.

It Feels Like Control

Reading about scary events can trick kids into thinking they’re more prepared. “If I know what’s going on, I can handle it,” becomes the mindset.

The Algorithm Trap

The more negative content they interact with, the more the algorithm pushes similar posts. Soon, their feed becomes a cycle of doom, even if they didn’t start out looking for it.

Picture this: your teen opens TikTok after dinner. The first video is about a natural disaster. They swipe up and see one on crime rates, then another on global conflict. Ten minutes later, their mood is heavier, but they can’t stop scrolling. That’s doomscrolling in action.

And most of the time, they don’t even realize what’s happening. To them, it’s just “checking the news” or “keeping up with trends.” But spending so much time in that negative space takes a mental toll.

Once you understand why kids fall into this habit, it’s easier to help them break free.

The Impact of Doomscrolling on Kids

Doomscrolling might seem like harmless scrolling, but constant exposure to negative news can leave them feeling anxious, worried, or even hopeless about the future.

A study published in Health Communication (2021) found that repeated exposure to distressing news during COVID-19 increased stress and anxiety levels, especially in younger people. Kids and teens, who are still developing emotional coping skills, are even more at risk.

Here’s what that impact often looks like:

Heightened Anxiety and Fear

After scrolling through stories about disasters or violence, kids may start asking “what if” questions or worrying about their safety.

Mood Swings and Irritability

They might seem withdrawn or easily frustrated after spending time online.

Poor Sleep

Late-night scrolling keeps their minds active and worried, making it harder to relax and fall asleep.

Trouble Focusing

When their brain is occupied with negative news, paying attention to schoolwork becomes harder.

One parent told me her teen became obsessed with watching news updates about global conflicts. It started as curiosity, but soon her child was losing sleep and snapping at everyone at home. That’s the mental weight of doomscrolling—and it can build up quietly.

Signs Your Child Might Be Doomscrolling

Kids would often tell you they’re “just checking TikTok” or “reading the news.” That’s why it’s important to watch for patterns instead of single moments. Here are a few red flags to look out for:

1. Mood Changes After Screen Time

If your child seems fine before picking up their phone but anxious, sad, or snappy after scrolling, take note. Doomscrolling often leaves kids feeling emotionally drained.

2. Obsession with Negative News

Kids naturally ask questions about the world, but if your teen constantly brings up tragic events, crime stories, or “what if” scenarios, they may be consuming too much heavy content.

3. Late-Night Scrolling

Is your child struggling to fall asleep because they’re on their phone? Doomscrolling often happens at night when kids have more unstructured time. That habit affects mood but also wrecks sleep quality.

4. Pulling Away from Family Time

If they’re choosing to scroll instead of joining dinner conversations or family activities, it could be a sign they’re stuck in a loop of consuming content.

5. Physical Signs

Headaches, eye strain, and fatigue can point to too much screen time—and if the content is all negative, the mental toll doubles.

Pro Tip: Look for patterns, not isolated incidents. A grumpy evening doesn’t always mean doomscrolling, but a consistent shift in mood, paired with the behaviors above, might signal a problem.

What Parents Can Do About It

Once you recognize the signs, the next step is guiding your child toward healthier habits. The goal is to teach balance and help them build resilience. Here are some practical strategies you can start using right away:

1. Start the Conversation

Kids don’t usually realize they’re doomscrolling. Instead of saying, “You’re always on bad news again,” try gentle questions like:

• “What kind of stuff pops up on your feed lately?”
• “How does it make you feel when you watch those videos?”
  This opens the door without making them defensive.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

In our family, gadgets have a bedtime too. My kids know that at 9 pm sharp, the phones go to us. If they forget—or “forget”—there’s a punishment waiting (yes, I’m that mom, lol). It might sound strict, but having a hard cut-off has saved their sleep and my sanity. Consistency is key here—kids adjust faster when rules are firm but predictable.

3. Curate Their Feed Together

This works best if you start while they’re younger, before their feeds get too overwhelming. Sit with your child and check who they’re following. Encourage them to keep accounts that share uplifting, educational, or creative content. If you notice their feed filling up with heavy news, show them simple tricks like hitting “mute” or “not interested”. The earlier they learn this, the easier it becomes for them to manage what they see as teens.

4. Encourage Offline Alternatives

Give them something to replace the scroll. Hobbies, board games, and simple family time go a long way. We sometimes play Trivial Pursuit, plan a little food trip, or spend a day at a museum. Lately, their papa has been encouraging them to walk more—and believe it or not, they’re running a marathon this weekend! These activities not only keep their minds busy but also create memories that scrolling can’t compete with.

5. Teach Media Literacy

Explain how platforms push extreme content because it gets clicks. You might say, “If you watch one scary video, the app assumes you want ten more—even if you don’t.” Once kids understand the algorithm trick, they’re less likely to fall for it.

6. Model Healthy Habits

If we’re doomscrolling at the dinner table, it’s hard to tell kids not to. Being mindful of our own scrolling sets a stronger example than any lecture.

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The idea isn’t to police every tap on their phone. It’s about teaching them how to recognize when scrolling stops being fun or informative and starts weighing them down. Small, consistent steps go a long way.

Final Thoughts

Raising kids in a digital world means new challenges pop up all the time, and doomscrolling is just one of them. But with patience and a little creativity, it’s possible to guide them toward healthier habits that stick. Every small shift in how they use their screens can open up space for more peace, joy, and connection in their daily lives.

So, the next time your child reaches for their phone, how might you gently guide them toward something more uplifting?