A new study released 14th February 2025 suggests that limiting screen time for children will help reduce the mental health issues of stress and depression.
The study entitled “Childhood Lifestyle Behaviours and Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescence” published these key points:
“Question Are cumulative lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and diet quality from childhood to adolescence, associated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence?
Findings In this cohort study of 187 adolescents, those with a higher cumulative exposure to self-reported total screen time and particularly mobile device use from childhood had higher perceived stress and depressive symptoms scores. Self-reported total physical activity and supervised exercise were inversely associated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms.
Meaning These findings underscore the significance of reducing screen time and increasing physical activity to promote mental health in youth.”
Haapala EALeppänen MHKosola S, et al. Childhood Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescence. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(2):e2460012. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.60012
Access the article here: Childhood Lifestyle Behaviours and Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescence
Comments from our education experts:
Richard Daniel Curtis (AMHIE Chair) “This study highlights the importance of teaching young people to be literate about different aspects of their wellbeing to help them cope with what they face and be resilient to adversity. Understanding that physical activity and technology use are both important aspects of the development of their understanding of wellbeing and factors that can affect them.”
Danielle Chandler (AMHIE Blogger, Psychologist) “This study highlights how lifestyle choices impact mental health in adolescence. Schools can play a key role by promoting physical activity and managing screen time. With screen time triggering the brain’s reward system, kids can become dependent on devices, leading to stress and anxiety. I’ve seen this in my own home—just the other day, my girls preferred staying on their phones instead of enjoying a sunny day outside. Schools and parents can encourage more physical movement and set limits on screen time. Getting kids to move more and spend less time on screens can make a real difference in their mental health.”
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