Is your child difficult to discipline? Do they tend to scream and kick when angry? You might need to reconsider their screen time, as new research on screen time and child behavior published in Psychological Bulletin, a journal of the American Psychological Association, suggests a strong link between digital exposure and behavioral challenges.
The Link Between Screen Time and Child Behavior
A meta-analysis involving 117 studies on children under 10½ years old showed that more time spent staring at screens is closely linked to behaviors and emotions that do not align with their developmental stage.
These social-emotional problems include anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior. Although the correlation is small, it is still significant—especially among girls.
The studies had different designs, but the overall picture shows problems start to arise when:
- Children under 2 years old are exposed to any screens (except video calls)
- Children aged 2–5 years have more than one hour of screen time daily
- Older children have more than two hours of screen time each day
Screen time and Child Behavior: Social-Emotional Problems Due to Video Games
Children who frequently play video games are at high risk. In fact, those aged 6 to 10 are found to be more likely to experience social-emotional issues compared to children under 5.
Even more concerning, children who are already experiencing these issues tend to rely on screens as a way to cope with stress—worsening their condition. This is especially evident among boys.
“High screen time is not only a cause of problems—it can also be a symptom,” said lead author Roberta Pires Vasconcellos via email, referring to the study’s most surprising finding.
“In many cases, children who are emotionally struggling will turn to screens—especially video games—as a way to escape or ease their stress,” said Vasconcellos, a lecturer at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
“While it may provide temporary relief, in the long run, it can trap them in a cycle that only worsens their emotional issues.”
Study Limitations
Although this meta-analysis is one of the largest of its kind, it still has limitations. Vasconcellos explained that it did not account for factors such as parenting style or socioeconomic status.
The study also assessed general screen time, so it could not determine the specific effects of social media use on children’s mental health.
However, the findings suggest several steps that parents or guardians can take to positively impact their children’s mental health.
Don’t Use Screens as Babysitters
Parents often give screens to children to calm them down—especially while working or at restaurants.
“While it may seem helpful in the short term, it can lead to long-term problems,” Vasconcellos emphasized. This is because it prevents children from learning how to manage their own behavior and emotions.
“Instead of developing self-regulation skills, they become reliant on screens for comfort and distraction,” she said. “This reinforces an unhealthy cycle where emotional difficulties are only hidden—not addressed.”
Screen Time and Child Behavior: Child Uses Screens When Sad or Lonely
Watch out for signs that your child uses screens to avoid emotional problems. Vasconcellos advised parents to see the bigger picture, rather than just blaming the screen alone.
“If you notice your child increasingly using screens when they’re sad or feeling alone, it might be time to assess their emotional state,” she said.
“They might be seeking support or connection they’re not experiencing in face-to-face interactions—whether at home, school, or with friends.”
This is when they most need parental support and guidance “to help them feel heard, understood, and emotionally safe—online or offline,” she added.
School counselors or therapists can also be a helpful source of support.
Be Cautious with Video Games
The study also showed that time spent on video games needs special attention.
“Online games are high-risk because they function like social media platforms,” Vasconcellos explained. “These games often continue even when players log off, so children feel pressure to keep playing, which can lead them to neglect sleep, schoolwork, and real-life interactions.”
Because of this, game activity needs clearer boundaries—especially for older kids who are usually given more freedom to manage their time.
Set Rules & Use Parental Controls
Setting screen time rules and sticking to them is crucial.
“Consistent rules help children know what to expect and make it easier for them to follow the limits,” said Vasconcellos.
Parental controls on phones and apps can also be used. “Most devices have built-in features to manage screen time and filter content,” she said.
“Use these settings to set daily limits and make sure children only access age-appropriate content.”
To prevent overdependence on devices, Vasconcellos suggested deleting highly addictive apps like streaming platforms. Instead, offer educational or beneficial content.
It’s Okay to Say ‘No’ to Your Child
These findings didn’t surprise the lead author. In her research, many therapists and teachers shared that parents often struggle to set limits or say no to their children’s requests.
When the author herself says “no” to her own kids, their reactions are not pleasant. But she reminds herself that, as a mother, she is responsible for making the best decisions for her children’s long-term health—even if it upsets them in the short term.
Limit Smartphone Use
Limiting smartphone use among children is also very necessary. A recent consensus statement co-written with global experts found that excessive smartphone and social media use is linked to sleep problems, attention issues, addiction, and body dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of reward system or strategy you use, what matters most is rethinking how your child uses technology. Since screen time can be both a cause and a sign of behavioral and emotional problems, learn to say no.
It may lead to some crying and tantrums now—but it could lead to better mental health in the long run.
Originally published on theAsianparent Malaysia
