More Screen Time Could Lead to Social and Emotional Challenges in Kids, Study Suggests
Troublesome children finding solace in electronic devices due to behavioral issues, leading to a vicious cycle of increased screen time.
The amount of screen time children spend can put them at a higher risk of emotional and behavioral issues, and these problems might push kids to dive deeper into the digital world, a recent study reveals.
This research, involving around 293,000 children at the age of ten or younger, examined how much time these youngsters spend on social media, video games, television, homework online, and more. They then measured issues such as aggression, anxiety, and low self-confidence.
The findings suggested that kids with higher screen usage were more prone to both internalizing problems, which involve avoiding conflict and withdrawing from others, and externalizing issues, like acting out aggressively. What's more, these children tended to retreat further into the digital realm as a result of their emotional struggles.
Interestingly, researchers found that girls were more likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems due to increased screen time, while boys were more inclined to depend on screens to cope.
Some online activities seemed to be more problematic than others, too. For example, the study showed a stronger link between gaming and emotional and behavioral problems, though it didn't find any increased risks from exposure to violent content.
Parents and educators have long worried about the consequences of excessive screen time for children's well-being, as the emergence of smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices complicates efforts to set limits.
Differences between Boys and Girls
Girls were more prone to develop emotional and behavioral problems following increased screen use, while boys were more likely to use screens as a coping mechanism.
Recommendations for Parents and Guidelines for Screen Time Management
To tackle the potential adverse effects of excessive screen time, experts recommend a balanced approach to screen use management. While limiting screen time is crucial, content quality and children's online social interactions should also be meticulously considered.
Experts encourage parents to actively engage with their kids and educate them about the potential impacts of excessive screen use on their mental and physical health. By fostering face-to-face interactions, encouraging physical activities, setting appropriate content limits, and offering guidance on healthy screen use habits, parents can help protect their children from the risks associated with excessive screen time.
References
- Noetel, M., Vasconcellos, R., et al. (2023). Screen Time, Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychological Bulletin.
- Kirkorian, A. (2021). The Impact of Social Media on Young People's Emotional Well-being. Journal of Adolescence.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Media and Children: Balancing Entertainment and Learning. pediatrics.aappublications.org.
- Vaillancourt, T., Hale, J., et al. (2021). The Impact of Screen Time on Children's Cognitive Development. Child Development.
- Radesky, J., Shen, L., et al. (2017). The Association Between Screen Time and Sleep-Related Problems in Preschool-Aged Children. Pediatrics.
Technology and science have a significant impact on children's health-and-wellness, particularly mental health. The study reveals that excessive screen time can lead to emotional and behavioral issues in children, with girls being more susceptible to developing these problems, while boys tend to use screens as a coping mechanism. To mitigate potential risks, experts recommend a balanced approach to screen time management, considering quality of content, online social interactions, and promoting face-to-face interactions, physical activities, and healthy screen usage habits.
