Ill-behaved, aggressive kid? New research suggests cutting down on common 'pastime activity’

Is your child easily irritated or agitated? Do they become aggressive now and then? Is managing your kids becoming increasingly difficult because of their stubbornness? Do they react oddly whenever you try to be assertive and try to discipline them?You might want to reconsider their screen time.As suggested by an article published in Psychological Bulletin, a journal of the American Psychological Association, children who spend more time being exposed to digital experiences are at a higher risk of developing major behavioral problems.Read on to know more.

What does the study say?

The international study looked at nearly 300,000 children and revealed that there is a two-way link between the amount of time kids spend on screens and their emotional and social well-being.

As per the aforementioned study, children using devices like TVs, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles are at a higher risk of developing problems like aggression, anxiety, and low self-esteem later in life. What’s more intriguing is that the connection also works in reverse: Children who were already struggling with social or emotional challenges tended to spend more time on all types of screens.According to the study, the more time children devote to screens, the more likely it is that their behaviors and emotions fail to align with what is typical for their developmental stage.

The findings are based on a meta-analysis that examined 117 studies of children aged 10½ and younger at the outset of the research. The studies varied in their designs, but the collective findings indicated difficulties emerged when children under 2 had any screen time (excluding video chats), when children aged 2-5 exceeded one hour of screen time daily, and when older children surpassed two hours daily. Kids who engaged heavily in gaming faced a heightened risk.

Moreover, children aged 6 to 10 were more prone to experience socioemotional challenges than those aged 5 and younger. These socioemotional issues included anxiety, depression, aggression, and hyperactivity. Children encountering these difficulties often turned to screens more frequently as a coping mechanism, which could worsen the situation. This trend was notably more pronounced among boys. While the correlation was modest, it was still noteworthy, particularly for girls.

Experts’ take:

Roberta Pires Vasconcellos, the lead author of the study, told CNN in an email, “High screen use isn’t just a cause of problems — sometimes, it’s a symptom,” highlighting one of the most notable discoveries. Vasconcellos, who serves as an associate lecturer at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, explained, “In many cases, children who are already struggling emotionally turn to screens, especially video games, as a way to cope or escape,” adding, “While that might offer short-term relief, over time it can trap them in a cycle that reinforces those emotional difficulties.

”

Dr. Michael Noetel, one of the study's authors and associate professor of psychology at The University of Queensland, Australia, told ABC News, "Rather than breaking it down by the exact game people were playing, it's safe to make some assumptions. Most games that were included were console games, computer games, and mobile games."When asked if violent games, such as games that involved shooting, led to more behavioral issues, Noetel said that was not necessarily the case.Dr. Noetel also said, "Some studies broke the games down by whether they were violent, but our interpretation was that most parents knew to limit the amount of violent content to give kids under 10." He added, "Instead, [the] key finding was that gaming in general -- regardless of the specific type -- showed much stronger links to emotional problems than other screen activities like watching TV or using educational apps.

"

What’s the key takeaway?

Although this meta-analysis is among the largest of its type, it has some limitations, as it was unable to consider factors like parenting styles or socioeconomic factors, according to Vasconcellos.Furthermore, since the studies assessed screen time in a general sense, they did not isolate the specific effects of social media on kids' mental well-being. Nonetheless, the latest findings regarding children and screen time indicate specific steps parents or guardians can take to positively influence their children’s mental health.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children between the ages of 2 and 5 to limit recreational screen time to one hour per day on weekdays and three hours on weekends. Children who exceed recommended screen time guidelines were more prone to socioemotional issues compared to those who stayed within the recommended limits, according to the study.However, the study indicates that completely eliminating screen time for children isn't necessary.

In fact, moderate screen time, particularly for educational purposes, can be beneficial and may reduce the likelihood of future social or emotional challenges.However, children must learn not to rely solely on screens for emotional management.In fact, encouraging them to interact with family and friends is important for developing resilience and emotional skills. The researchers emphasize that parents should ensure screen time does not disrupt essential activities like sleep and physical exercise.

Setting boundaries around screen use is advisable, and doing so in a gentle, noncontrolling manner is encouraged.

How to limit screen time for kids?

To effectively limit screen time for kids, establish clear, consistent rules and expectations, set daily or weekly limits, and create tech-free zones and times. Encourage alternative activities and model healthy screen habits for kids to follow. Here's a more detailed breakdown:Set clear rules and expectations:Establish boundaries: Define specific times when screens are off, such as during meals, before bedtime, or on certain days of the week. Set limits: Determine a daily or weekly maximum screen time allowance, making sure it's consistent and realistic. Enforce rules: Be consistent in enforcing the rules, even if your child protests. Create tech-free zones and times:Designate screen-free areas: Keep screens out of bedrooms and make meal times a tech-free zone. Plan tech-free days: Schedule days or evenings when everyone in the family puts screens away and engages in other activities together. Encourage alternative activities:Promote physical activity: Encourage outdoor play, sports, and other active pursuits. Foster hobbies: Support interests like reading, art, music, or other creative outlets. Plan family time: Schedule dedicated time for family activities like board games, crafts, or outings. Model healthy habits:Lead by example: Be mindful of your own screen time and limit it to show kids that screen time can be balanced. Use screens appropriately: Demonstrate how to use screens mindfully and for educational or entertainment purposes. Utilize tools and apps:Parental controls: Google offers parental controls for managing screen time and content on devices. Screen time apps: Explore apps that can help you set limits and monitor screen usage. Have a conversation:Explain the reasoning: Talk to your child about why you're limiting screen time and the benefits of other activities. Involve them in decision-making: Give your child a voice in setting limits and choosing activities.