A recent study involving nearly 300,000 children worldwide has found a strong link between excessive screen time and emotional and social problems in kids. The research, published in the Psychological Bulletin journal, suggests that children who spend more time on screens are at a higher risk of developing issues such as aggression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
The study also discovered that children who struggled with social or emotional challenges tended to spend more time on screens. Notably, gaming consoles were linked to a greater chance of developing problems, regardless of whether the games were violent or not.
While the study does not recommend eliminating screens entirely, it emphasizes the importance of moderate screen use for educational purposes and encourages parents to set limits and boundaries to ensure that screen time doesn’t interfere with essential activities such as sleep and physical activity. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting recreational screen time for children under 10.
The findings have significant implications, particularly in light of rising rates of mental health disorders in kids. Experts stress the need for responsible parenting and guidance on screen use to help children develop resilience and emotional skills.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/increased-screen-time-linked-aggression-anxiety-low-esteem/story?id=122699364