Not all screen time is equal for kids

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-06 01:00

Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA

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Not all screen time is the same when it comes to the impact it may be having on kids, according to Australian research. The analysis looked at data from 100 studies and found that while more time spent watching programs on screens was linked with poorer cognitive and psychosocial outcomes, co-use of screens, such as when parents and children watch together was linked with better cognitive outcomes. The research also showed negative outcomes linked to parents' screen use, watching age-inappropriate content and having the TV on in the background.

News release

From: JAMA

Early Childhood Screen Use Contexts and Cognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes

JAMA Pediatrics
Original Investigation

About The Study: The findings of this study show small to moderate effect sizes that highlight the need to consider screen use contexts (i.e., type, content, co-use, and purpose of use) when making recommendations for families, clinicians, and educators beyond screen time limits; including encouraging intentional and productive screen use, age-appropriate content, and co-use with caregivers.

(doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.2620)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Pediatrics

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of Wollongong, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Curtin University, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Flinders University, Deakin University

Funder: This research, including fellowships supporting Drs Mallawaarachchi, Burley, and Hayes, was funded by the Australian Research Council through the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child (CE200100022).

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