Impact of Screen Time on Children's Mental Health: Insights from a 2026 Study
According to a recent survey conducted by a children's hospital affiliated with the University of Michigan, 83% of parents believe that their children's mental health is deteriorating.
Many parents attribute this decline to excessive use of electronic devices and social media, with 66% expressing concerns about online safety.
Health and science journalist Catherine Price, who is also a mother to a 10-year-old, stated, "Every minute children spend in front of screens is a minute they miss out on real skills, real relationships, or real experiences."
In her latest book, co-authored with Jonathan Haidt, author of "The Anxious Generation," titled "The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World,"
Price offers a set of recommendations for parents to reduce screen time for children, including:
1. Lead by Example
Price emphasizes that the best way to limit children's device use is for parents to model healthy digital habits.
Educator Theo Wolff advises parents to reflect: "Have I demonstrated the qualities and values I want to instill in my child? Are there behaviors I exhibit that contradict this?" He also suggests that parents can hold children accountable for excessive phone or computer use.
2. Shared Family Phones
Instead of giving each child their own phone, families can use shared devices, such as a landline or a basic mobile phone.
This approach encourages children to develop real communication skills, such as talking with friends or checking in on grandparents, while ensuring the device is returned after use.
3. Financial Responsibility
Price recommends delaying the purchase of smartphones for children until at least age 16, a view echoed by psychologist Jean Twenge.
Additionally, encouraging children to pay for their own phones can make them more aware of financial responsibility and increase the likelihood of postponing their acquisition until they are 25. This method also teaches children the value of hard work in achieving their goals.
These recommendations highlight that managing screen time is not merely about restrictions, but about conscious parenting that helps children acquire real-life skills, away from digital addiction.
