A recent survey commissioned by the Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF) indicates that a majority of parents and voters believe restricting youth access to smartphones and technology will not solve the youth mental health crisis and could lead to unintended consequences. The findings challenge proposals that focus primarily on bans or severe limitations.
The survey, conducted by Mercury Analytics, polled 2,000 registered voters nationwide, with oversamples of 600 parents each in California, New York, and Texas, along with focus group discussions. Results show that seven-in-10 registered voters and nearly three-quarters of parents worry that policies centered on banning or severely limiting young people's access to phones and technology could have unintended negative outcomes.
Instead of concentrating on a single issue, respondents expressed greater confidence in solutions that address the many influences on youth mental health. One parent from California noted, “I don’t necessarily support taking the phones away. It’s like solving a symptom but not necessarily the problem.” Another from New York added, “Speaking from my own experience, I was open with [my parents] about what I was doing. Bans, with no questions asked, are not a good solution because it’ll be like ‘okay, I’m not allowed to do this, so now I have more of an inclination to do this.’”
Survey participants consistently favored a more comprehensive approach. Nearly three out of four respondents said improving youth wellbeing requires collaboration among parents, educators, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and policymakers rather than relying on a single policy solution. The findings also highlighted widespread support for digital literacy. More than 80 percent of voters and almost 90 percent of parents agreed that children and teens should receive instruction on how to safely and responsibly use emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
Respondents emphasized the importance of equipping parents with guidance and educational resources to help their children make informed decisions online. As AI applications, social media platforms, and digital learning tools become increasingly integrated into daily life, many parents believe education, support, and skill-building may be more effective than bans and outright restrictions alone. One Texas parent commented, “I think kids are technologically savvy, but not digitally literate. A lot of them are unable to use higher-order thinking skills to understand what they are watching or experiencing.”
Overall, the research suggests that respondents view youth mental health as a complex issue shaped by numerous factors, including family support, school environments, community involvement, and responsible technology use. Rather than emphasizing bans, many favored balanced solutions that combine mental health services, digital literacy education, parental engagement, and community support. The study was conducted in April 2026 in partnership with Mercury Analytics. Additional information about the research is available through the Coalition to Empower our Future.
