This is what screen time does to a child’s brain

Research shows that playing computer games can help children stay connected, even when they are apart. Global recommendations suggest limiting screen time — but is that really necessary?

The belief that screen time is the modern curse, blamed for problems like childhood obesity and mental health issues, has become widespread. However, new evidence suggests that screen time may not be as harmful as once thought.

It’s easy to blame screens for many of society’s problems because they are so common and heavily used. But recent studies show that these beliefs may be overstated.

According to a 2021 report by the American Psychology Association, there is little proof that screen time causes major harm. The researchers reviewed 33 studies published between 2015 and 2019 from universities worldwide and found that screen time — including social media, video games, and smartphone use — played only a small role in mental health issues.

A 2024 review of 11 global studies also found no solid evidence that using screens an hour before bedtime makes it harder to sleep, even though some suggest blue light affects melatonin production.

Pete Etchells, a psychology professor at Bath Spa University, reached a similar conclusion after reviewing hundreds of studies on screen use and mental health. In his book Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time, he argues that the research behind dramatic headlines is often inconsistent or flawed.

He wrote that there is no solid scientific evidence proving the supposed dangers of screen time. Etchells points out that much of the data comes from “self-reporting,” meaning participants simply estimate their screen use and describe how they felt about it. He also warns against mistaking correlation for causation, as there are countless ways to interpret such large sets of data.

Research suggests screen time can boost wellbeing and friendships

Some studies even show that screen time can improve wellbeing rather than harm it. One study involving 11,500 brain scans of children aged 9 to 12 found no link between screen use and poor mental health or cognitive decline. The research, led by Oxford University professor Andrew Przybylski, found no negative effects even for children who used screens for several hours daily.

Professor Etchells said that if screens truly harmed the brain, such effects would appear clearly in large datasets — but they don’t. He concludes that there is no consistent evidence showing that screens damage the brain long-term.

Another study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder even found that children who spent more time on screens tended to have more close friends. Lead author Katie Paulich explained that while it’s important to be mindful of screen use, it isn’t necessarily harmful.

The importance of the bigger picture

Dr. Amber Beynon, a research fellow at Curtin University’s School of Allied Health, also challenges negative assumptions about screen time. On Curtin University’s The Future Of podcast, she explained that while some studies link high screen use to developmental delays, others show benefits like stronger language and executive function skills.

Because research findings are mixed, she says it’s overly simplistic to label screens as “bad for kids.” Instead, she argues that context matters more — how screens are used within the family environment plays a bigger role than the amount of time spent.

Her research also shows that parents’ mental health — such as depression or anxiety — has a stronger and more consistent effect on children’s development than screen time itself. Supporting parents’ wellbeing may therefore be just as important, if not more, than reducing screen time.

Are we setting children up for failure by limiting screen time?

Official recommendations remain inconsistent. The UK’s Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health does not set strict limits, while the World Health Organization advises no screen time for children under one year old and less than one hour per day for those under four.

The implications are significant. It may take years for research to clarify whether screens truly harm children. Until then, there’s a risk of spending time and effort keeping children away from something that could actually benefit them.

Source: Standard, UK