Too much screen time hurts kids' grades and behaviour.

What the research found

A 2023 systematic review of 141 studies in children and teens aged 5 to 17 found that high physical activity and low sedentary time went with the best education-related outcomes. Sedentary time tended to look worse for outcomes when it was measured as screen time, and the effect was stronger in teenagers.

A 2022 systematic review of 11 studies found that most linked more screen time with attention problems in children. Only one study found that children with more screen time did better on an attention task. The authors said excessive screen time can be associated with attention problems, and that more research is needed over time.

A 2023 systematic review of 50 articles found that most linked screen exposure with mental health problems in teenagers. A 2024 review with meta-analyses found small but significant links between social media use, depression and anxiety. Results varied a lot between studies.

What it doesn’t mean

• These studies mostly show a link, not cause and effect. Kids who are struggling at school or feeling low may also turn to screens more.
• The research looks at attention, mental wellbeing and broad education outcomes. It does not directly show that screens lower marks or cause misbehaviour. What kids watch and how they use screens may matter as much as total time.
• If you are worried about your child's concentration, mood, sleep or schoolwork, talk to your GP or child health nurse.