A comprehensive study involving 2.8 million children across 64 countries reveals that increased digital media usage correlates with poorer academic performance, language skills, and heightened emotional and social difficulties, with effects varying by age and activity type.
A scientific review has found that heavier use of digital media by children is linked with lower academic performance, weaker language skills and higher levels of emotional, behavioural and social difficulties, although the strength of the association appears to vary by age and by the kind of screen activity involved.
According to The Mirror, which reported on the findings from a paper published in JAMA Pediatrics on 28 September, the work was led by researchers at the University of Calgary and drew together evidence from 23 meta-analyses covering about 2.8 million children in 64 countries. The broad review looked at how screen-based media relates to different aspects of development and mental health.
The review found a connection between screen use and lower overall academic achievement, alongside poorer language development. However, the researchers did not identify a clear link with performance in individual subjects such as mathematics, science or reading, suggesting that the impact may be more general than subject-specific.
It also reported associations between screen exposure and greater levels of anxiety, depression, aggression and peer-related difficulties. JAMA Pediatrics said the size of those associations differed depending on the type of media and the age of the child. The review also noted that the effect of screen time should be judged in context, because digital use may displace sleep, physical activity and face-to-face time with family and friends.
The researchers stressed that their findings do not prove screens directly cause these problems. Because the review brought together studies with different methods and data sets, other factors may also be involved. Still, the authors said the type of content, how devices are used and what screen time replaces are all important when assessing its impact. They called for more long-term research to better identify when screen use may be helpful, neutral or harmful.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
