A significant international study involving nearly 300,000 children has shed light on the complex relationship between screen time and children’s emotional and social well-being.
The research indicates a two-way link: increased screen time correlates with a higher risk of developing emotional issues such as aggression, anxiety, and low self-esteem later in life.
Conversely, children facing existing social or emotional challenges are likely to spend more time in front of screens, creating a cycle of distress.
The findings, published in the academic journal Psychological Bulletin, reveal that time spent on gaming consoles, in particular, poses a greater risk for emotional problems compared to other screen activities like watching TV or educational apps.
Dr. Michael Noetel, an associate professor of psychology at The University of Queensland and one of the study’s authors, commented on the findings, emphasizing that while violent games have been scrutinized in other studies, this research suggests a broader concern.
“Most parents know to limit the amount of violent content for children under 10,” Dr. Noetel noted.
Instead, he highlighted that gaming, in general, showed stronger associations with later emotional challenges, regardless of the specific type of video game played.
The study stands out as one of the largest analyses of its kind, reviewing 117 long-term studies conducted between 1972 and 2024, focusing specifically on children aged 10 and under to better establish cause and effect.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has set guidelines recommending that children aged 2 to 5 limit recreational screen time to one hour per day on weekdays and three hours on weekends.
The research further confirms that children who exceed these recommended limits are more likely to experience social and emotional difficulties compared to their peers who adhere to the guidelines.
Dr. Tara Narula, ABC News chief medical correspondent, expressed concern over the study’s results, stating that over 40% of children aged 8 to 12 spend more than four hours a day on screens.
Given the rising rates of mental health disorders among children, which often begin before the age of 14, the implications of excessive screen time are alarming.
The study authors emphasize that the objective is not to eliminate screen time altogether but to encourage moderation.
When children engage in controlled amounts of screen time, particularly for educational activities, the risk of future social and emotional issues diminishes.
Experts recommend that children learn to manage their emotions through means other than screens and that they are encouraged to build social connections with peers and family to foster resilience and emotional skills.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of ensuring that screen time does not interfere with essential activities such as a good night’s sleep and regular physical activity.
Dr. Narula reinforced the need for setting boundaries around screen use without being overly controlling, pointing out that parents must navigate the delicate balance between managing screen time and allowing children their freedom.
In light of these findings, there appears to be a crucial need for parents to be informed and proactive concerning their children’s screen time habits.
This comprehensive study serves as a timely reminder of the potential implications of technology usage on young minds and the importance of fostering healthy habits in a digital age.
image source from：https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/increased-screen-time-linked-aggression-anxiety-low-esteem/story?id=122699364
