Cut Kids' Screen Time to Improve Behavior, Says Study
Significantly reducing the time that children spend using screens during their free time could have a positive impact on their behavior and mental health.
A study from researchers in Denmark found that limiting children to three hours of screen time per week could make a big difference in just two weeks.
For some families that might not take much work, but for others this would mean reducing children's screen time by a number of hours each day.
However, the research team did not include screen time used for schoolwork in that three-hour limit.
The researchers looked at data from a trial of 89 families in Denmark, including 181 children aged between 4 and 17.
Families were divided into two groups. One group did not change the amount of time they spent on screens, while the other group had to reduce their screen time to three hours per week. They were also asked to give their smartphones and tablets to the researchers.
At least one adult and one child in each family had to take part.
Families were given about $75 for taking part, and had posters placed around their homes to remind them to reduce their screen time.
A questionnaire called "Strengths and Difficulties" was used to look at the effect of the reduced screen time after two weeks.
This questionnaire looks at things like behavior and emotions.
The study found that the children who had reduced their screen time to three hours per week saw improvements in the way they behaved toward others and the way they processed their own emotions.
The researchers said more long-term research is needed, but the study found that even a short-term reduction in screen time can have a positive effect on the lives of young people.
