Quote from Alex bobby on June 9, 2025, 12:12 PM

Kids with Behavioural Issues Linked to Screen Time Are Turning to Devices to Cope in ‘Vicious Cycle’

In today’s hyperconnected world, screen time has become a staple in children’s daily routines — from school assignments to online games and social media interactions. But as screens dominate more of their waking hours, a growing body of evidence suggests a troubling connection between screen use and children's emotional and behavioural well-being.

A groundbreaking new study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin reveals a concerning feedback loop: the more time children spend on screens, the more likely they are to develop behavioural and emotional problems — and in turn, they are increasingly turning to screens as a coping mechanism. This “vicious cycle” could be silently impacting millions of children and their families.

A Massive Study with Deep Implications

The study is one of the largest of its kind, encompassing a meta-analysis of 117 peer-reviewed studies and data from nearly 293,000 children aged 10 or younger. Conducted by a team of researchers from Australia, including Associate Professor Michael Noetel of Queensland University and lead author Roberta Vasconcellos from the University of New South Wales, the research delves into the complex relationship between screen use and mental health in children.

By analysing children’s screen habits — including watching TV, playing video games, doing online homework, and using social media — the study assessed links to psychological issues such as aggression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

The results paint a worrying picture. Children who spent more time on screens showed higher risks of both externalising problems (such as yelling, hitting, or challenging authority) and internalising problems (such as withdrawing from others, avoiding conflict, or showing signs of sadness or despair).

Even more concerning is the cyclical pattern identified: once children began experiencing emotional distress or behavioural difficulties, they were more likely to retreat into the digital world — possibly in an attempt to self-soothe or escape.

Girls and Boys React Differently

The study also found key gender differences in how screen time and behavioural issues intersect.

Girls were more likely to develop behavioural and emotional problems after increasing screen use, possibly due to the social comparison and pressure often found on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Boys, meanwhile, were more likely to use screens as a coping tool for their distress, gravitating toward immersive gaming or online videos as a distraction.

Interestingly, while video games were more strongly linked to emotional or behavioural issues, the researchers found no significant increase in risk from violent content specifically — challenging some common assumptions about media violence and aggression.

Cause or Correlation?

It’s important to note that the study does not claim definitive proof that screen time causes emotional or behavioural problems. Instead, it establishes a strong relationship between the two.

“It’s about as close as we can get to causal evidence without randomly cutting screens for thousands of kids,” said Noetel. “But still, we can’t completely rule out other factors – like parenting style – that could influence both screen use and emotional problems.”

A Call for More Thoughtful Screen Time Guidelines

The authors believe their findings should help shape smarter, more holistic screen time policies for families, educators, and governments. Instead of simply placing blanket limits on screen time, they advocate for more nuanced guidance that takes into account:

• The type of activity: For example, interactive gaming may carry different risks than watching educational videos.
• The content’s quality: Engaging, positive content may support development, while passive scrolling or overstimulating games may be more harmful.
• The social element: Screen time used to connect meaningfully with friends or family may be more beneficial than solitary consumption.

“Removing screens altogether isn’t realistic,” said Vasconcellos. “Instead, we need to focus on how screens are used, and create healthy boundaries that support children’s well-being.”

How Parents and Educators Can Help

The research encourages parents and teachers to watch for signs of emotional distress linked to screen use and intervene early. Strategies may include:

• Creating screen-free zones and times (such as during meals or bedtime).
• Encouraging offline activities like sports, hobbies, or outdoor play.
• Opening conversations about screen use, including how children feel during and after screen time.
• Setting consistent boundaries, while explaining why certain content or time limits are in place.

Ultimately, the researchers say that while screens can be helpful and even necessary tools, they should not become children’s main way of managing their emotions.

Looking Ahead

This new research adds urgency to the conversation about children’s mental health and digital habits. With screens now integrated into nearly every aspect of kids’ lives, the challenge isn’t to eliminate technology — it’s to use it wisely.

By understanding the psychological impacts of excessive screen time and taking proactive steps, parents, educators, and policymakers can help prevent a cycle of distress that leads kids deeper into the very habits that may be contributing to their struggles.

The question now is not just how much screen time is too much — but how can we support kids in building a healthy relationship with the digital world?

Conclusion

In conclusion, while screens are an unavoidable part of modern childhood, excessive use can contribute to emotional and behavioural issues—and create a harmful cycle of dependency. Parents and educators must take a balanced, mindful approach to screen time, focusing not just on how much is used, but how and why it’s being used.