A new study has found a two-way connection between screen time and children’s emotional and social well-being.
Published in the Psychological Bulletin journal, the researchers looked at data from 117 long-term studies spanning over five decades and involving nearly 3 lakh children.
As per the research, children who spend more time on screens, such as TVs, laptops, or gaming consoles, face a higher risk of developing aggression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other socioemotional issues later in life. It also found that children already struggling with emotional or social challenges tend to spend more time on screens.
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The strongest link was found with time spent on gaming consoles, regardless of whether the content was violent. The study also found that over 40% of kids aged 8–12 reportedly spend more than four hours daily on screens, far exceeding guidelines.
“Gaming in general—not just violent games—was more strongly associated with emotional problems than watching TV or using educational apps,” said Dr Michael Noetel, co-author and associate professor of psychology at The University of Queensland, Australia.
The goal isn’t to eliminate screens, the study authors said. The study stresses that moderate, mindful use, especially for educational purposes, may even be beneficial.
The researchers also cautioned against kids solely relying on screens to cope with their emotions. Instead, the children should be encouraged to build emotional strength through interactions with family and friends. The study also stressed that screen time must not disrupt key activities like getting enough sleep and staying physically active.
