# Screen Time Study Finds Complex Links to Child Development

> New research shows screen time affects children's language and academic skills but isn't the sole cause.
- Title: Screen Time Study Finds Complex Links to Child Development
- Summary: New research shows screen time affects children's language and academic skills but isn't the sole cause. A study of 2.8 million children links higher screen…
- Keywords: screen time, children, language skills, academic performance, emotional difficulties, jama pediatrics, university of calgary, Screen, Time, Study, Finds, Complex
- Source: MadeForMums — https://madeformums.com/news/family-news/is-screen-time-really-harming-children-a-major-new-study-reveals-its-more-complicated-than-you-might-think
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: screen time, children, language skills, academic performance, emotional difficulties, jama pediatrics, university of calgary
## New study reveals
A major review of 2.8 million children links higher screen use with language and academic challenges.

> Higher screen use has been linked with poorer language development, lower overall academic achievement and a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties in children
## What the study found
Longer screen time associated with lower school grades and poorer language development.

> Higher screen exposure was linked with lower overall school grades and poorer language development
## Emotional impacts
Higher screen use linked to anxiety, depression symptoms and aggression.

> The study found links between higher screen use and emotional and peer problems
## Why it matters
Screen time effects comparable to socioeconomic status and preterm birth risks.

> The effect sizes were similar in magnitude to or larger than those reported for factors including socioeconomic status
## Experts caution
Screen use alone doesn't cause emotional distress or academic problems.

> Screen use alone does not explain why a teenager is emotionally distressed or performs less well academically
## What parents should know
Not all screen activities affect children equally.

> The research adds to evidence that the amount of time children spend using screens can be associated with several areas of development
## Key takeaway

A study of 2.8 million children links higher screen use with poorer language skills and academic performance but emphasizes it's not the only factor.