A recent survey commissioned by the Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF) indicates that a majority of voters and parents are wary of policies that focus primarily on banning or severely limiting young people's access to smartphones and technology. Instead, they support a more comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted influences on youth mental health.
The research, conducted by Mercury Analytics, included a nationwide survey of 2,000 registered voters, expanded polling among parents in California, New York and Texas, and a series of focus group discussions. The findings show that seven-in-10 registered voters and nearly three-quarters of parents worry that policies centered on bans could lead to unintended consequences. Many parents participating in the study said that restricting technology alone may fail to address deeper mental health challenges while leaving young people less prepared to use digital tools responsibly as they grow.
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 said, “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 also emphasized the importance of equipping parents with guidance and educational resources so they can 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. Participants pointed to the value of teaching responsible online behavior, critical thinking and healthy digital habits that can benefit young people throughout their lives. On digital literacy, one Texas parent said, “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.
