A British longitudinal study of over 25,000 adolescents followed between the ages of 12 and 15 challenges the idea that screen time is a direct cause of the deterioration of young people's mental health.
Results that contradict received ideas
The #BeeWell study reveals no significant causal effect of time spent on social media or video game frequency on the onset of internalized symptoms such as anxiety or sadness, for either girls or boys.
More subtle dynamics observed
However, researchers identify more nuanced relationships:
- For girls, an increase in video game time is associated with a decrease in social media time the following year, suggesting competition between uses.
- For boys, the increase in internalized symptoms precedes a decrease in video game play, potentially reflecting a loss of interest in previously invested activities.
Towards a more global approach
The authors question the relevance of policies focused on restricting screen time. Instead, they recommend considering the structural determinants of adolescent distress: living contexts, social inequalities, and academic and relational paths.
The full article offers a detailed analysis of these results and their implications for public policy.
Source: Screen Use and Adolescent Mental Health: More Complex Effects Than It Seems
This summary aims to be transparent and neutral. Disconnecto acts here as an observer of the digital landscape, without taking a position. We invite you to consult the original source for a complete reading.
Share:
Neuroscience and ADHD: Towards a More Precise Diagnosis of Attention Disorders