On the Radar: Sleeping In, ‘Slot Machine Apps’ and Phone-Shaming

Study Says Sleeping In on Weekends Can Protect Teens’ Mental Health

What? A study conducted by the University of Oregon and published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that teens who sleep in on weekends to catch up on the sleep they missed during the week can reduce their daily depression risk by up to 41%.

So What? Experts recommend eight to 10 hours of sleep each night for teens. But due to busy schedules, that’s not always possible. Additionally, our biological sleep rhythms, or circadian rhythms, naturally shift during adolescence, turning many teens into night owls rather than morning larks. So even when teens are tired, it can be difficult at times for them to hit that eight-hour minimum.

Now What? Try to promote healthy sleep patterns during the week, since many studies still say that’s the best method. (Removing screens from the bedroom at night can help, since the blue light emitted by screens can further disrupt sleep patterns.) But if your child is still struggling to doze off, consider letting them catch some extra Z’s on the weekend. A study published in 2025 found that an additional two hours of sleep on weekends is the sweet spot for improving mental health.

Remove ‘Slot Machine Apps’ to Reduce Screen Time

What? Jonathan Haidt, author of bestselling books The Anxious Generation and The Amazing Generation, recently told college students at NYU that one of the best ways to reduce screen time is to “get all of the slot machine apps off your phone.”

So What? “Slot machine apps” include social media apps like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, as well as “gamified” apps—which use points, streaks, badges and other rewards—such as educational apps and games. These apps are so named because they apply the same principles used in gambling to trigger dopamine releases and keep users hooked.

Now What? According to CNBC, Haidt told the Gen Z students that how they use their phones is more important than how much they use them. If your teen’s screen time is spent endlessly scrolling through social media videos or news articles, that could lead to poor mental health. But just as dangerous are apps that reward your child for constant, routine engagement, since that can also build addictive behaviors.

If Studies Don’t Phone-Shame You, Your Kids Might

What? Studies have found that how parents use their phones is “one of the strongest predictors” of how their children will use screens, according to The Washington Post. In a recent article, parents detailed incidents when their children essentially shamed them for their bad phone habits.

So What? On the whole, the parents realized that their kids were right. Some parents were checking messages or scrolling through social media when their child had asked for their full attention. Others admitted to texting while driving, making their children feel unsafe.

Now What? Sometimes you’ll need to use your phone around your kids—such as when you’re working, looking up directions to your next destination or ordering groceries for pickup. When that happens, inform your child of what you’re doing so they know you’re not just ignoring them. But if you’re using your phone for entertainment or non-urgent tasks when with your family, consider how that might make your child feel—and the sort of example you’re setting for them.