New study finds kids’ screen time and emotional health are linked – in both directions
More screen time = more behavioural issues in kids, and vice versa, says major new study.
A huge international study has revealed what many parents might suspect: the more time young children spend on screens, the more likely they are to experience problems like anxiety, aggression and low self-esteem – and those emotional struggles can in turn drive them to spend even more time on screens.
Published in the American Psychological Association's Psychological Bulletin and covering nearly 300,000 children under 10 across 117 studies, this is one of the largest ever investigations into how screen use and emotional well-being are connected. And its findings have a clear message: screen time and socioemotional health are caught in a vicious cycle – but parents have the power to break it.
It’s not just how much – it’s what kind of screen time matters
The study found a small but significant two-way link: more screen time predicted future emotional and behavioural problems, and those very issues led to increased screen use down the line.
What stood out most was the type of screen use. Gaming was the biggest red flag.
“Gaming had much stronger links to emotional problems than other screen activities like watching TV or using educational apps,” said Dr Michael Noetel, one of the study’s authors and a psychology associate professor at The University of Queensland, in a quote to ABC News.
Children who spent lots of time gaming were more likely to develop problems such as anxiety or aggression later, and those who already struggled emotionally were more likely to turn to games as a way to cope.
Emotional struggles can push kids towards more screens
While screens are often used to entertain or occupy children, the research highlights that they’re also being used as a coping mechanism, especially by children already facing socioemotional difficulties.
“We found that increased screen time can lead to emotional and behavioural problems, and kids with those problems often turn to screens to cope,” said Noetel, speaking to the American Psychological Association.
Girls were generally more susceptible to developing emotional issues from screen use, while boys were more likely to increase their screen use when facing emotional struggles. And older children (ages 6–10) were particularly at risk.
Not all screen time is equal, and moderation matters
Importantly, the researchers aren’t saying to ditch screens altogether. Instead, they recommend parents focus on the quality and context of screen time. Educational content or co-viewing TV with parents tended to have little to no harmful impact.
In fact, problems were more likely when screen time replaced essential activities like sleep, physical play, or family interaction.
If screens are stopping your child from sleeping well or playing outside, it might be time to set some boundaries
The study supports existing screen time guidelines. For children aged 2–5, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour per day of recreational screen time on weekdays, and three hours at weekends.
Yet, according to the research, more than 40% of 8- to 12-year-olds are on screens for over 4 hours a day.
What parents can do right now
The key takeaway? Screen time in moderation is okay, but boundaries and emotional support matter most.
Here are some expert-backed tips for parents:
- Don’t use screens as a default coping tool – help children find other ways to manage boredom, stress or big emotions.
- Watch together when possible – co-viewing or gaming with your child can turn solo screen time into a bonding opportunity.
- Prioritise sleep, play and connection – make sure screens aren’t getting in the way of basics like sleep and outdoor time.
- Know what they’re watching or playing – not all content is equal. Violent or age-inappropriate content can increase risks.
- Check in emotionally – kids glued to screens may be struggling with issues they don’t yet know how to talk about.
Dr Noetel summed it up: “Screens aren’t inherently bad – but when they become a child’s main emotional outlet, that’s a problem.”
For parents juggling work, life and tech-savvy kids, screens can be a sanity-saver. But this new research is a powerful reminder: our little ones’ mental health may be quietly shaped by the way they scroll, stream and play.
And the best thing we can do? Stay involved, stay informed – and never underestimate the impact of a good old-fashioned cuddle or kickabout in the garden.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.