New Study Links Children’s Behavioral Issues to a Popular Daily Habit
Does your child seem more irritable or aggressive lately? Do they resist discipline or show signs of anxiety and hyperactivity? According to a major new international study, excessive screen time might be contributing to the problem, or even making it worse.
Published in Psychological Bulletin, the research analyzed data from nearly 300,000 children under the age of 10½ and revealed a two-way link between screen use and socioemotional health.
Children spending more time on screens, whether it’s TV, gaming, tablets, or computers, are more likely to develop behavioral issues like aggression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
But the reverse was also true: children already struggling emotionally tended to seek out more screen time, often as a way to cope.
The Cycle: Screen Time & Emotional Struggles
Lead author Roberta Pires Vasconcellos explained, “High screen use isn’t just a cause of problems, sometimes, it’s a symptom.” Children may turn to screens, especially video games, to escape from emotional challenges.
While this might provide short-term relief, it can lead to a harmful cycle that worsens mental health over time.
The risk is especially pronounced for children aged 6–10, and notably more common in boys. Even non-violent gaming showed stronger links to emotional difficulties than TV or educational screen use, according to co-author Dr. Michael Noetel.
When Does Screen Time Become a Problem?
The study highlighted several thresholds:
- Under 2 years: No screen time (except video chatting)
- Ages 2–5: Limit to 1 hour per day
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Older children: Max 2 hours per day
Children who exceeded these limits were more likely to develop emotional and social challenges. However, the researchers also stress that screen time isn’t inherently harmful; moderate, purposeful use (especially for education) can have benefits.
What Can Parents Do?
The key is balance, not elimination. Experts recommend:
- Setting clear rules: Define screen time limits and enforce them consistently.
- Creating tech-free zones and times: Keep devices out of bedrooms and away from meals.
- Encouraging real-world alternatives: Promote outdoor play, hobbies, and family time.
- Modeling healthy habits: Children learn screen behavior from parents too.
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Using tools: Parental controls and screen-monitoring apps can help manage usage.
The Bigger Picture
This research arrives at a critical moment. Despite a record $28 million investment by cities like Columbus in summer programs aimed at reducing youth violence and improving engagement, behavioral issues among children remain a growing concern.
As Vasconcellos emphasized, screen use and emotional struggles are deeply intertwined, and addressing one without the other may not be enough. Supporting children with empathy, structure, and healthy alternatives is essential in building emotional resilience in a digitally saturated world.
