MORE SCREEN TIME DURING COVID-19 AND ITS EFFECTS ON CHILDREN

Children and youth with more screen time  had increased risk for poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to results of longitudinal cohort study conducted in Canada and published in JAMA Network Open.

Results showed higher television or digital media time correlated with higher levels of conduct problem and hyperactivity/inattention among younger children (mean age, 5.9 years).  More time  using television or digital media correlated with higher levels of depression, anxiety and inattention; more time playing video games correlated with  higher levels of depression, irritability, inattention and hyperactivity among older children and youth (mean age, 11.3). 

healio.com