Is Your Kid's Screen Time Stealing Their Happiness?

Increased Screen Time Linked to Aggression, Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem in Kids: Major Study Finds

A groundbreaking international study, analyzing data from nearly 300,000 children, has uncovered a significant two-way relationship between screen time and the emotional and social development of young individuals. The research, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, suggests that excessive screen time can contribute to a range of challenges, while pre-existing emotional difficulties can also lead children to spend more time with digital devices.

The study, one of the most comprehensive of its kind, examined 117 long-term studies conducted between 1972 and 2024. Researchers focused on children aged 10 and under, tracking their development over time to establish clearer cause-and-effect relationships. Their findings highlight a concerning trend:

• Increased Risk: Children who spend more time on screens – including TVs, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles – face a higher risk of developing issues such as aggression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
• The Reverse is Also True: Children already grappling with social or emotional challenges are more likely to spend increased time engaging with screens.
• Gaming Consoles: The study showed a stronger correlation between time spent on gaming consoles and the development of emotional problems, more so than other screen activities like watching TV or using educational apps.

Dr. Michael Noetel, a study author and associate professor of psychology at The University of Queensland, Australia, clarified that the specific type of game may be less important than the overall time spent gaming. "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," he told ABC News.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children between 2 and 5 years old limit recreational screen time to one hour per day on weekdays and three hours on weekends. The study reinforced this guideline, finding that children who exceeded these recommendations were more prone to socioemotional issues.

Dr. Tara Narula, ABC News chief medical correspondent, emphasized the growing concern. "More than 40% of kids [ages] 8 to 12 are using screens for more than four hours per day," she noted. "You add to that the fact that we are seeing rising rates of mental health disorders in kids, and half of these disorders start before the age of 14 -- you can understand why we need to understand the effects of screens on our kids."

So, what can parents do to navigate this digital landscape effectively?

The key takeaway is not about eliminating screens entirely. Moderate screen time, especially for educational purposes, does not pose the same risk. However, the study authors stress the importance of:

• Balance: Ensuring that screen time doesn't overshadow essential activities like sleep and physical activity.
• Alternatives: Encouraging children to engage in offline activities, such as playing with friends and spending time with family, to develop social and emotional skills.
• Healthy Boundaries: Setting reasonable limits and boundaries around screen time in a non-controlling manner.

Ultimately, fostering a balanced lifestyle and nurturing strong social and emotional connections are crucial for the well-being of our children in this digital age. It's a reminder that while technology offers many benefits, human interaction and real-world experiences remain irreplaceable for healthy development.

Tags: kids screen time, child well-being, social skills, emotional health, gaming effects, child anxiety, aggression, low self-esteem, digital devices, child study, parenting, mental health, child development

Dr. Brendan Huang, chief resident physician in adult neurology at Northwell Health and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit, contributed to this report.

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/increased-screen-time-linked-aggression-anxiety-low-esteem/story?id=122699364