Limiting screen time protects children’s mental health
A new study released 14th February 2025 suggests that limiting screen time will help reduce the mental health issues of stress and depression, therefore improving children’s mental health and wellbeing. Alongside recent articles from news sources such as the BBC, this study comes at a time when schools are examining whether introducing phone bans is a useful tool or whether students/pupils having their phones is beneficial.
Studies have shown that limiting screen time at school helps children by fostering better focus, improving sleep, encouraging physical activity, enhancing social and emotional development, boosting academic performance, and reducing the risk of mental health issues. By creating a balanced learning environment with mindful technology integration, educators can support the holistic development and well-being of their students.
The study entitled “Childhood Lifestyle Behaviours and Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescence” published these key points:
“Question Are cumulative lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour, 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.”
References:
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
Domingues‐Montanari, Sophie. “Clinical and psychological effects of excessive screen time on children.” Journal of paediatrics and child health 53.4 (2017): 333-338.
Schmidt, Marie Evans, et al. “Systematic review of effective strategies for reducing screen time among young children.” Obesity 20.7 (2012): 1338-1354.
Twenge, Jean M., and W. Keith Campbell. “Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study.” Preventive medicine reports 12 (2018): 271-283.
Qi, Jingbo, Yujie Yan, and Hui Yin. “Screen time among school-aged children of aged 6–14: a systematic review.” Global health research and policy 8.1 (2023): 12.
Friedrich, Roberta Roggia, et al. “Effect of intervention programs in schools to reduce screen time: a meta-analysis.” Jornal de Pediatria (Versão Em Português) 90.3 (2014): 232-241.
Mineshita, Yui, et al. “Screen time duration and timing: effects on obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability in elementary school children.” BMC Public Health 21 (2021): 1-11. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-021-10484-7
Comments from our education experts on children’s mental health:
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.”
What do you think? Let us know: support@amhie.com or phone 02381 120010