Genetics may influence childhood attention issues more than screen time

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-11-07 10:15

International

What does this mean?

Jump to: MultimediaAttachmentsExpert Reaction

DNA patterns could actually be one of the reasons why kids who spend lots of time on screens often also have more attention or emotional issues, US researchers suggest. After looking at more than 4,200 children, researchers found that genes were also involved in most of the observed links between attention issues and screen time, and 42% of the observed links between emotional issues and screen time. Researchers say that if their results hold up, then restricting childhood screen time could be a less effective tool to prevent attention and emotional issues than expected, which would be consistent with other findings around the role genetics play in social media use and mental health. However they do not suggest unrestricted screen time, as it could still cause other risk factors like reduced physical or academic activities.