High Screen Exposure Linked to Poorer Academic and Emotional Outcomes in Children
A large international study has linked higher screen exposure among children to poorer academic performance, weaker language development and several emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Researchers reviewed evidence involving more than 2.8 million children across 64 countries. They examined links between screen use and children’s development, education and mental health.
Screen Use Linked to Academic and Emotional Problems
The study found that children with higher screen exposure were more likely to have lower academic achievement.
They also showed weaker language development, the researchers reported.
Higher screen use was also linked to several emotional and behavioural problems. These included anxiety and depression-related symptoms, aggression, attention difficulties and problems with peers.
Some of these links were similar to or stronger than those associated with factors such as socioeconomic status, parenting behaviour and premature birth.
However, the researchers stressed that the findings do not prove that screen use causes these problems.
Much of the evidence came from observational studies. Such studies can identify links but cannot always establish cause and effect.
For example, children with emotional difficulties may use screens more often. This makes it difficult to determine whether screen use contributes to those difficulties or partly results from them.
What Children Do on Screens Also Matters
The researchers noted that screen time includes many different activities.
These range from watching television and playing games to using social media and making video calls.
The findings therefore suggest that parents should consider how children use screens and what those activities replace.
A fixed daily screen-time limit may not tell the full story.
Screen use can become a concern when it starts affecting sleep, schoolwork, physical activity or time with family and friends.
The researchers said the findings highlight the importance of looking at children’s overall screen habits rather than screen time alone.
