A large international study has found that higher screen exposure among children is associated with poorer academic performance, language development and several emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Researchers analyzed evidence involving more than 2.8 million children across 64 countries to examine the relationship between screen use and children’s development, education and mental health.
The study found that children with higher screen exposure were more likely to have lower overall academic achievement and weaker language development. Greater screen use was also associated with emotional and peer problems, anxiety and depression-related symptoms, aggression, and attention difficulties.
Researchers noted that some of these associations were comparable to or greater than those linked to factors such as socioeconomic status, parenting behavior and premature birth.
However, the findings do not establish that screen use directly causes these problems. Much of the research reviewed was observational, meaning other factors may also explain the associations.
For example, children experiencing emotional difficulties may turn to screens more frequently, making it difficult to determine whether screen use contributes to the problem or is partly a result of it.
The researchers also noted that screen time covers a wide range of activities, including television, gaming, social media and video calls.
The findings therefore suggest that parents should consider what children are doing on screens and what screen use is replacing, rather than focusing only on a fixed daily limit.
Excessive screen use may become a concern when it starts interfering with sleep, education, physical activity or time spent with family and peers.
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