Think your child’s bad mood is just an unavoidable phase? Perhaps give some thought to limiting their screen time.
A new study shows that reducing children’s leisure time on screens to three hours a week can drastically improve their mental health and behavior in as little as two weeks.
Researchers from Denmark and the UK studied 89 families from Southern Denmark with adolescents ages 4 to 17 over a two-week period. Families were randomly assigned to a media reduction group or a control group.
All children and at least one adult from each family in the media reduction group were asked to turn in their smartphones or tablets and reduce their leisure screen time to three hours a week. That included any screen use outside of work or school.
Parents completed an assessment of their children’s mental health at the study’s start and end.
The researchers found that children who cut back on media consumption had fewer behavioral issues and better social interactions.
It’s no secret that excessive screen time can have damaging effects on adolescents’ mental health. But even just a short break can reverse some of the damage and help adolescents build better habits down the road.
Recent surveys indicate that many children and teens spend seven to eight hours a day on screens merely for entertainment, not including schoolwork or homework.
The researchers said there is no need to eliminate screen use entirely. They advocate for a more balanced approach, where families set reasonable limits and engage in alternative activities together.
The bottom line: It’s OK to be the screen police. Your child’s mental health might depend on it.