A large scientific study involving more than 2.8 million children and young people across around 64 countries found that heavy screen use is associated with declines in several indicators of child development, with an association that may be comparable to or greater than that associated with socioeconomic factors, including poverty and the family’s financial situation.
The researchers wrote that the associations related to high levels of screen exposure were “similar to or greater than” those recorded for factors known to predict child development outcomes, such as the family’s socioeconomic status, parental behavior, and premature birth.
However, the study did not directly compare a child living in poverty with another child who spends a long time in front of screens, nor did it establish that screens are more harmful than poverty, as the comparison concerns the strength of the associations observed in the studies, rather than the magnitude of direct harm.
Likewise, it cannot be concluded that screen use is the direct cause of the problems, as children facing emotional or behavioral difficulties may be more likely to use devices for longer periods, while difficult economic circumstances may simultaneously affect their digital habits and well-being.
The review also did not identify clear negative associations across all aspects of development. Although academic achievement was generally lower, the researchers found no clear relationship between screen use and students’ scores in mathematics, reading, or science, noting that these areas were among the least studied.
Previous research also indicates that the relationship between screen use and emotional and behavioral problems may be bidirectional; heavy use may be associated with the emergence of certain problems, while pre-existing difficulties may lead children to spend more time on devices.
In this context, a research review published last year in the journal “Psychological Bulletin” analyzed a study involving more than 292,000 children and tracked the relationship between screen use and emotional and behavioral problems over time. It concluded that increased screen use preceded the emergence of problems in some cases, while children who were already experiencing difficulties tended to spend more time in front of screens later.
The findings point to an association between screen use and several aspects of child development, but understanding this relationship also requires taking into account the family, social, and economic circumstances surrounding children during their childhood years.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
An independent media platform that provides reliable news and objective analysis, and seeks to promote peace and cultural dialogue around the world, to convey the truth and build bridges of understanding among peoples.
For more news, visit our homepage:
Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi.
Publication Date: September 29, 2026.
Updated: September 2026.
