A study at the University of Southampton suggests that digital colouring activities on phones and tablets can help reduce stress and anxiety among young adults, highlighting a potential positive use of screen time for mental health.
A British study suggests that colouring on phones and tablets may ease stress, anxiety and low mood in much the same way as traditional pencil and paper colouring, offering a practical reminder that not all screen time is equal. Researchers at the University of Southampton said the activity may help young people settle their minds by directing attention towards a simple, absorbing task rather than ruminating on negative thoughts.
The study, published in the Journal of Mental Health, asked about 300 university students to take part in a mindfulness-based colouring programme over two weeks. Roughly half used paper and coloured pencils, while the others used digital colouring apps on electronic devices. After completing questionnaires before and after the programme, both groups reported better mental wellbeing, lower stress and improvements in self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Emma Palmer-Cooper, the lead researcher and a psychology professor at Southampton, said the findings challenge the usual focus on the harms of mobile devices. Speaking through the university, she said screen use can have very different effects depending on the activity, noting that social media and video games are often associated with worse mental health. She argued that digitally delivered activities designed to encourage mindfulness may be overlooked because of the broader criticism directed at screens.
The benefit appeared strongest among students who started the programme with poorer mental health. Palmer-Cooper said the move to university can be a difficult period for young adults who have left home and lost some of their usual support network. She said colouring could be a low-cost, practical option alongside wider university support, though she also acknowledged that it would not suit everyone.
The latest findings fit with earlier research showing that colouring can reduce anxiety and improve mood, regardless of whether it is done to distract the mind or express feelings. Other studies have also found that digital forms of calm, structured activity can help lower stress, suggesting that the medium matters less than the nature of the task itself. For parents and caregivers, the message is a simple one: some screen-based activities may be soothing, provided they are chosen with care and used intentionally.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
