Study Shows Limiting Screen Time Improves Children’s Mental Health
A recent study conducted in Denmark by Dr. Jesper Schmidt-Persson from the University of Southern Denmark has found that limiting screen time for children can have a positive impact on their mental health. The study, which involved 89 families with a total of 181 children and teens, randomly assigned participants to either limit their screen time or have no limitations.
The group that limited screen exposure saw improvements in children’s mental health, particularly in how they managed their emotions, communicated with peers, and displayed behavioral difficulties. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open last month.
Experts have long warned about the risks of excessive screen time for children, with the U.S. Surgeon General releasing an advisory in 2023 emphasizing mental health concerns related to social media use among youth. Dr. Joshua Stein, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, highlighted the negative effects of excessive screen time, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends capping screen time at two hours per day for children ages 2 and older, with no screen time recommended for children younger than 2. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry also provides guidelines for different age groups, emphasizing the importance of limiting non-educational screen time.
Experts suggest that parents should encourage other activities, such as outdoor play, to promote physical and mental well-being in children. Limiting screen time to academic-related content during the week and allowing access to social media or certain television channels on the weekend can help strike a balance.
Overall, the study’s findings highlight the importance of monitoring and limiting screen time for children to promote their mental health and well-being.
