Emotional and behavioral problems in children can be caused by spending too much time on screens — and those problems can lead to even more screen use, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
The study revealed that the more children engaged with electronic screens, the more likely they were to develop socioemotional problems — including anxiety, depression, aggression and hyperactivity. Children experiencing socioemotional problems also were found to turn to screens as a coping mechanism – a vicious cycle.
Several factors may moderate the relationship between screen time and socioemotional problems. Older children (ages 6–10) were found more likely to develop socioemotional problems with greater screen use compared with younger children (ages 0–5). Girls were generally more susceptible to developing socioemotional problems with greater screen use. Boys were more likely to increase screen use when facing socioemotional challenges.
Gaming was associated with higher risks compared with educational or recreational screen use. More evidence of the vicious cycle: children experiencing socioemotional problems were more likely to turn to games to cope.
Parents might be cautious about what screens they allow and use parental controls to manage time, says Michael Noetel, one of the authors of the study. He notes that kids who use screens heavily might need emotional support, not just restrictions. Parents could benefit from programs helping them handle both screen use and emotional problems.
The study highlights the need for a careful approach to managing children’s screen time, says lead author Roberta Vasconcellos. Understanding that heavy screen use can lead to socioemotional problems and, in turn, those problems can trigger more screen use allows parents, educators, and policymakers to better support children’s healthy development in an increasingly digital world, she says.
American Psychological Association
