Scientists debunk myth about the harm of screen time for children

Harm or benefit. The study disproved the popular myth about screen time and child development

According to НВ — Техно: Publication date: August 6, 08:00

Publication: Science Alert

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Imperial College London found no convincing evidence that prolonged screen time negatively affects the emotional, social, or behavioral development of children. The study analyzed data from 3,786 participants in the Scottish study Growing Up in Scotland. The researchers compared the out-of-school screen time of children aged 5, 10, and 15, assessing their emotional state, behavior, and social skills.

Study results

According to the results, there was no significant relationship between screen time and developmental difficulties at ages 5 and 10. However, at age 15, an increased level of difficulties was observed only among teenagers who spent a significant amount of time playing video games. Meanwhile, for other types of screen use, such as watching videos or using social media, no connection to difficulties was recorded.

The researchers also considered factors such as gender, ethnicity, family income, and cognitive test results. Interestingly, 15-year-olds who spent more than one hour a day on social media were less likely to have developmental indicators suggesting difficulties than those who used it for less than an hour. The authors of the study suggested that communication through social media and messengers may positively influence the maintenance of friendships and the receipt of social support.

Data for the study began to be collected in 2009, when smartphones and tablets were not yet so widespread. The authors believe that recommendations focusing solely on limiting screen time do not fully reflect its impact on child development. Future research may focus on the content children view, whether gadget use is solo or shared, as well as the activities that screen time replaces, such as face-to-face communication or outdoor activities.

The results of this study could significantly impact approaches to parenting in a modern world where technology plays a significant role in daily life. It is important for parents and caregivers to pay attention not only to the amount of time spent in front of screens but also to the quality of the content and the nature of the activities that replace physical activity and live communication. This may contribute to a more balanced development of children and teenagers in the digital age.

While the recent study highlights the nuanced effects of screen time on children's development, it is crucial to consider the implications of early social media exposure. Research suggests that joining social platforms at a young age can hinder students' academic progress, potentially setting them back significantly in their learning journey. To explore this further, read about how early social media access can impact education in our detailed article on the risks of early social media engagement.