A new study published in Psychological Bulletin suggests that excessive screen time can have significant negative effects on children’s mental health, particularly anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and aggression.
The meta-analysis, which analyzed 117 studies involving kids under the age of 10½, found that kids who spent more than an hour a day on screens between ages 2-5 were at higher risk. Furthermore, gaming was identified as a significant contributor to these issues, with older children being more likely to develop socioemotional problems.
According to lead author Roberta Pires Vasconcellos, excessive screen time can be both a cause and symptom of behavioral and emotional problems in children. “In many cases, children who are already struggling emotionally turn to screens as a way to cope or escape,” she said.
Experts recommend setting rules for kids’ screen time, using parental controls, and limiting devices such as video streaming platforms. They also suggest removing apps that can be tempting and offering alternative content, such as educational materials. Perhaps most importantly, experts advise saying no to children when they request screens, even if it leads to short-term distress.
By taking these steps, parents can help prevent their children from developing negative habits related to screen time and promote healthier mental health in the long run.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/09/health/screen-time-kids-emotional-problems-alaimo-wellness