A recent survey commissioned by the Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF) indicates that many parents and voters are skeptical of policies that focus solely on restricting young people's access to technology, warning that such measures could backfire. The research, conducted by Mercury Analytics, found that seven in 10 registered voters and nearly three-quarters of parents worry that bans or severe limitations on phone and technology use may lead to unintended consequences. Instead, respondents expressed greater confidence in strategies that address the multiple factors influencing youth mental health.
The study included a nationwide survey of 2,000 registered voters, expanded polling among parents in California, New York and Texas, and focus group discussions. Many parents said that restricting technology by itself may fail to address deeper mental health challenges while leaving young people less prepared to use digital tools responsibly. 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, '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. 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 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 at https://empowerourfuturecoalition.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CEF-Unintended-Consequences-National-Memo_June-2026.pdf.
