A new study reveals a concerning link between screen time and children’s behavior, suggesting that excessive use of devices can trap youngsters in a “vicious cycle.” The research, published in Psychological Bulletin, highlights how increased screen time can lead to emotional and behavioral issues, while children already struggling may turn to screens as a coping mechanism, exacerbating the problem.
The meta-analysis examined over 100 existing studies, encompassing nearly 300,000 children worldwide. The findings point to a bidirectional relationship: greater screen time is associated with a higher risk of developing problems such as anxiety, low self-confidence, and aggression. Conversely, kids facing social or emotional challenges often seek refuge in screens, creating a reinforcing loop.
Dr. Michael Noetel, an associate professor at Queensland University and one of the study’s authors, emphasized the growing prevalence of screen time in children’s lives, stating that it spans everything from entertainment and homework to socializing with friends. “We found that increased screen time can lead to emotional and behavioral problems, and kids with those problems often turn to screens to cope,” he explained.
Kara Brisson-Boivin, the director of research at MediaSmarts, a Canadian digital and media literacy organization, praised the study’s novel approach. Rather than assuming a direct causal link between screen time and negative outcomes, the researchers first identified behavioral issues and then examined screen time exposure. She noted, “(They) didn’t necessarily jump from the idea that screen time equals poor emotional regulation or emotional dysregulation. They started by identifying emotional dysregulation and then looked to screen time, and I think that’s an important framing and one that is the kind of dimension that’s missing from the landscape more broadly.”
However, it’s crutial to understand the nuanced ways screen time impacts children. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details, and so too it seems, with digital devices.
Here are some critical points from the study:
- Children under two should generally avoid screen time (except video calls).
- Children aged two to five should limit screen time to one hour per day.
- Older children should adhere to a maximum of two hours of daily screen time.
- Gaming consoles appear to pose a greater risk compared to other screen activities.
- Boys may be more inclined to use video games as a coping mechanism.
The study also revealed that the type of screen activity matters. While social media often receives negative attention, time spent on gaming consoles showed a particularly strong correlation with emotional problems. Dr. Noetel clarified that the study focused on console, computer, and mobile games. Interestingly, the researchers suggested that parents are generally aware of the potential harm of violent video games and tend to limit exposure to them. “Instead, [the] key finding was that gaming in general — regardless of the specific type — showed much stronger links to emotional problems than other screen activities like watching TV or using educational apps.”
Roberta Pires Vasconcellos, the study’s lead author, pointed out that excessive gaming can be both a cause and a symptom. “In many cases, children who are already struggling emotionally turn to screens, especially video games, as a way to cope or escape,” she explained. “While that might offer short-term relief, over time it can trap them in a cycle that reinforces those emotional difficulties.”
Age and gender also play a role. The collective findings indicated difficulties emerged when children under two had any screen time (excluding video chats), when children aged two to five exceeded one hour of screen time daily, and when older kids surpassed the recommended maximum of two hours daily. Kids who spent a lot of time on games were particularly at risk. Those between the ages of six and 10 were more likely to develop socio-emotional problems compared to children aged five or younger. Boys, the study found, were more likely to turn to video games to cope, while girls were generally more at risk of developing emotional problems with greater screen time use. It should be notied that, experts caution against generalizing these findings.
Addressing concerns over children’s screen use is a complex endeavor. Parents must navigate a landscape where screens are pervasive, offering both educational opportunities and potential pitfalls. Many modern parents find themselves wondering how to strike a balance and what measures to take.
Dr. Tara Narula stressed the importance of parental involvement: “One of the biggest things is you have to be invested, involved, and aware of what’s going on with your kids. You have to be there for them emotionally, check in on them, and also teach them those social life skills. You want to monitor not just the amount but the quality of what they’re using it for.”
Brisson-Boivin emphasized the need for open communication and collaboration with children. “Children, especially older children, are incredibly smart, and if we give them the tools to be the pilots of their own experience, it helps build trust. They’re more likely to follow the rules if they’re part of making that rule.”
The initial reactions varied widely. Some parents expressed relief that the study validated their concerns, while others felt overwhelmed by the prospect of managing their children’s screen time. Social media platforms like X.com and Facebook buzzed with comments and debates. One parent posted on instagram, “I knew it! This just confirms what I’ve been seeing with my son.” Another commented, “Easier said than done! How am I supposed to get anything done without letting my kids watch TV?”
Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of mindful screen time management. Parents are encouraged to engage in conversations with their children, establish healthy boundaries, and model responsible technology use. By fostering a balanced approach, families can mitigate the potential risks and ensure that screens serve as tools for learning and connection, rather than sources of conflict and isolation.
Recognizing the signs of potential problems is also crucial. Brisson-Boivin advises paying attention to changes in children’s behavior, such as increased irritability, loss of interest in other activities, or sleep disturbances. These could indicate that screens are negatively impacting their well-being.
If your child is throwing a tantrum or fighting back when they’re asked to take a break or turn off a screen, it’s an isue, says Brisson-Boivin. Also, when kids lose interest in other activities and increasingly turn to screens, it might indicate they’re becoming too attached to these technologies.
Parents should also be mindful of their own screen habits. Children often mimic their parents’ behavior, so modeling responsible technology use can have a significant impact. One mother shared on a parenting forum, “I realized I was setting a bad example by constantly checking my phone. I’ve started putting it away more often, and my kids are starting to do the same.”
Navigating the digital age requires vigilance and adaptability. By staying informed, engaging in open communication, and setting healthy boundaries, parents can help their children harness the benefits of technology while mitigating the risks. The goal is not to eliminate screens entirely, but to ensure that they are used in a way that supports children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.