The parents of children who have died of suicide due to cyber bullying would disagree. As would the parents of children suffering from eating disorders, self-harm, and numerous other mental conditions induced, at least in part, by social media.

The link between physical health and phone use is less direct than to cigarette smoking, but is still present.

I'm one of these (step) parents. I've long held that social media is a cancer and tried to model and promote responsible usage.

I've failed totally, and two of my children have had horrible mental health,with suicide attempts and ongoing issues to this day. Another had long struggles with drugs and has a pretty fragile mental situation even though he is mostly out the other side of that now, and on a better path.

I'm sure the anecdotal defense will be used, but I'm convinced that being exposed to all of the ills of the world via social media has been in part to blame for this, and this despite what I hoped were worthwhile attempts to demonstrate restraint in use of phones and social media, and educate my kids.

Them smoking (without social media existing) would have been better, imo.

What about all the kids that get shot trying to steal food from a drive thru because it's a TikTok Prank?

Smartphone usage increases facebook usage. There is a causal relationship between social media usage[0] and loneliness and depression, which kills.

In other words, social media kills in the same way cigarettes kills.

Smartphones without social media do not kill.

[0]: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328838624_No_More_F...