UC San Diego researchers find teens' mental health improves after device-free summer camp

A recent study published in Mental Health & Prevention assessed 192 adolescents attending a device-free residential summer camp in Maine, with research involvement from UC San Diego scientists, according to zerohedge.com.

The teenagers, who spent two to three-and-a-half weeks without devices, showed an average improvement of 10.1 points in composite mental-health scores between arrival and departure. Those who began the camp with mental-health struggles recorded a median improvement of 27 points.

Campers reported stronger adaptability and resilience, better focus, and less worry and restlessness. Forty-four percent felt a stronger sense of belonging at camp than at school, and 40% found making friends easier.

The study noted that fewer than one in 10 campers arrived in the distressed or struggling range, compared to more than half of US teens on the same measure. However, since there was no control group, researchers could not determine how much of the improvement was due to device removal versus other factors like exercise, sleep, and social interaction.

The camp sessions cost between $4,900 and $7,900. The findings contribute to growing research suggesting that relief from constant connectivity can lead to mental health benefits, particularly among adolescents.