Screen Time Linked to Child Psychological Problems

Author: University of Bristol
Published: 2010/10/11 - Updated: 2024/06/01
Publication Type: Research, Study, Analysis
Peer-Reviewed: Yes
Topic: Pediatric Health Concerns - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Children who spend longer than 2 hours in front of a computer or television screen more likely to suffer psychological difficulties.

The PEACH project, a study of over a 1,000 children aged between ten and 11, measured the time children spent in front of a screen as well as their psychological well being.

Watching TV or playing computer games for more than two hours a day is related to greater psychological difficulties irrespective of how active children are.

Introduction

Children who spend longer than two hours in front of a computer or television screen are more likely to suffer psychological difficulties, regardless of how physically active they are.

Main Item

The PEACH project, a study of over a 1,000 children aged between ten and 11, measured the time children spent in front of a screen as well as their psychological well being. In addition, an activity monitor recorded both children's sedentary time and moderate physical activity.

The results showed that more than two hours per day of both television viewing and recreational computer use were related to higher psychological difficulty scores, regardless of how much time the children spent on physical activity.

The authors of the report, published in the November edition of the American journal Pediatrics, conclude that limiting children's screen time may be important for ensuring children's future health and wellbeing.

According to the activity monitor, the children in the study who spent more time sedentary had better psychological scores overall. Those children who did more moderate physical activity fared better in certain psychological areas, including emotional and peer problems, but fared worse in some areas related to behavior, including hyperactivity.

Lead author Dr Angie Page from the University of Bristol's Center for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences said:

"Whilst low levels of screen viewing may not be problematic, we cannot rely on physical activity to 'compensate' for long hours of screen viewing."

"Watching TV or playing computer games for more than two hours a day is related to greater psychological difficulties irrespective of how active children are."

Children's psychological wellbeing was assessed on the basis of a strengths and difficulties questionnaire which rated their emotional, peer, conduct and hyperactivity problems.

The children were asked to rate a series of statements as true on a three-point scale, varying from not true, to somewhat true to certainly true.

Statements to assess their emotional wellbeing included; 'I am often unhappy, down-hearted or tearful', while statements to assess their peer problems included; 'I am usually on my own', 'I generally play alone or keep to myself'.

This work was supported by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK) and the National Prevention Research Initiative.

Related Information

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by University of Bristol and published on 2010/10/11, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, University of Bristol can be contacted at bristol.ac.uk NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

Explore Similar Topics

- Comparing the effects of the transport response, the relaxed reaction while being carried, with motionless maternal holding or rocking and examining if the effects persist with longer carrying in infants.

- University of California Riverside researchers examine how expectation of pain influences pain experience in children.

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): University of Bristol. (2010, October 11 - Last revised: 2024, June 1). Screen Time Linked to Child Psychological Problems. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 11, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/pediatric/screen-time.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/pediatric/screen-time.php">Screen Time Linked to Child Psychological Problems</a>: Children who spend longer than 2 hours in front of a computer or television screen more likely to suffer psychological difficulties.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.