Screen time is both a cause and symptom of kids’ bad behavior, according to new research

Editor’s note: Kara Alaimo is an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her book “Over the Influence: Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back” was published in 2024 by Alcove Press. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky. Does your child not listen to you? Do they kick and scream when they get angry? You may need to rethink their screen time, according to an article published Monday in Psychological Bulletin, a journal of the American Psychological Association. The more time kids spent looking at a screen, the more likely their actions and feelings didn’t meet expectations for their stage of development, according to a meta-analysis of 117 studies of kids younger than 10½ when the research began. These socioemotional problems included anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and aggression. The association was small but significant, especially for girls. The studies were designed in different ways but the overall picture showed that trouble occurred when kids under age 2 had any screen time (other than video chats), when kids ages 2-5 had more than an hour per day of screen time and when older kids had more than 2 hours per day of screen time. Kids who spent a lot of time on games were particularly at risk. And 6-to-10-year-olds were more likely to develop socioemotional problems than children age 5 or younger. What’s more, kids who experienced these challenges tended to turn to screens even more to cope, which could exacerbate the problem. This was especially the case for boys. “High screen use isn’t just a cause of problems — sometimes, it’s a symptom,” said lead author Roberta Pires Vasconcellos via email , noting one of the most striking findings. “In many cases, children who are already struggling emotionally turn to screens, especially video games, as a way to cope or escape,” said Vasconcellos , who is an associate lecturer at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. “While that might offer short-term relief, over time it can trap them in a cycle that reinforces those emotional difficulties.” One of the largest of its kind, the meta-analysis has limitations, however, because it couldn’t account for factors such as parenting style or socioeconomic status, Vasconcellos said. And since the studies looked at screen time more broadly, they couldn’t pinpoint the effects of social media use on kids’ mental health. Nevertheless, this latest data on kids and screen time suggests specific actions parents or guardians can take to have a real, positive impact on their kids’ mental health. Don’t use screens for childcare Adults often give kids screens to help them calm down, especially during work time or in other situations when children need to be quiet, such as at a restaurant. “While this may offer short-term relief, it can lead to longer-term problems,” Vasconcellos warned. That’s because it may prevent kids from learning how to behave appropriately and handle their emotions. “Instead of developing self-regulation skills, they come to rely on screens for comfort and distraction,” she said. “This can reinforce a harmful cycle where emotional difficulties are masked rather than addressed, making it even harder for children to cope without a screen over time.” Don’t let kids use screens to cope with their emotions Look for signs that children are reaching for screens when they have a problem. Rather than assuming the problem is the screen itself, look at the bigger picture, Vasconcellos said. “If you notice your child turning to screens more often when they’re upset or withdrawn, it might be time to check in on how they’re doing emotionally,” she advised. “In some cases, they might be seeking the sense of connection or support they’re not finding in their face-to-face relationships — at home, at school or in other social settings.” That’s when they need parental support and guidance the most — “to help them feel heard, understood and emotionally safe, both online and offline,” Vasconcellos said. School guidance counselors or therapists are also good sources of support. Watch out for video games The amount of time kids spend gaming is also important to note, according to the study. “Online games, in particular, pose additional risks because they often function like social media platforms,” Vasconcellos said. “Since these games continue even when a player logs out, children may feel pressure to stay connected for longer periods, which can lead them to neglect important real-life activities like sleep, schoolwork and face-to-face interactions. “For this reason, gaming may require extra attention and clearer boundaries — especially for older children, who are typically granted more independence in how they use their time.” Set rules and use parental controls It’s important to set rules for kids’ screen time and stick to them. “Keeping rules consistent helps children know what to expect and makes limits easier to follow,” Vasconcellos said. Parental controls on phones and apps are also useful. “Most devices offer built-in tools to help you manage screen time and filter content,” she said. “Use these settings to set reasonable daily limits and ensure your child is only accessing age-appropriate material.” To help prevent kids from depending too much on devices, Vasconcellos suggests removing apps such as video streaming platforms that are particularly tempting. Instead, give kids content that is educational or that serves a good purpose. It’s OK to say no to your kids The results of this study didn’t surprise me. In my research, therapists and teachers often complain that parents or guardians aren’t willing to set limits and say no when their kids ask for screens. When I say no to my own kids, their reactions aren’t always pleasant. I have to remind myself that, as their mom, it’s my job to know what’s best for them and to make decisions that will keep them healthy in the long run — even if it leads to short-term distress for us all. Limiting kids’ phone use is also wise. A newly published consensus statement I coauthored with experts around the globe offers evidence that heavy use of social media and smartphones by young people is linked to problems with sleep, attention, addiction and body dissatisfaction. You don’t need to be ‘fair’ When I speak to parents about how to handle their kids’ social media use, they often tell me they feel they need to give their younger kids a phone at the same age their older siblings got one. That’s not true. Tell younger kids who make this argument that you are more experienced now and have more data showing how screen time can be harmful. Also consider attractive alternatives to a phone. One mom told me she offered her daughter $1,600 to wait until she was 16 to get a phone. Her daughter took the cash. While many people don’t have that kind of disposable income, you can still be creative and propose other things that kids would like. Sleepovers with friends, or a family camping adventure are just some examples. No matter what you offer, it’s important to rethink the way you let your kids use technology. Since screen time may be both a cause and a symptom of behavioral and emotional problems in children, get comfortable saying no. It may provoke kicking and screaming in the moment, but it will likely lead to better mental health in the long run. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.