A new meta‑analysis of 121 global studies published in The Lancet quantifies the health impact of excessive digital media use among children and adolescents. The research attributes roughly 20% of depression cases and 15% of obesity cases in young people to high levels of screen time.
Health risks and study limitations
Lead author Louise Holly, who coordinates policy and research at the Digital Transformations for Health Lab in Geneva, said the findings underscore that digital media use has become a public‑health issue that warrants regulation, not just parental oversight. The analysis notes that children with pre‑existing mental‑health vulnerabilities, limited offline support, or low digital‑literacy are especially prone to adverse outcomes.
Most of the underlying studies relied on self‑reported screen‑time data, and while many identified a statistical association with negative health markers, they could not definitively prove causation. Holly emphasized that the balance of evidence points to far more harmful than beneficial effects of digital media on youth health.
Nevertheless, the researchers identified several potential benefits when digital tools are used intentionally. They can foster autonomy, support identity exploration, provide educational content, entertain, and enable social connections. Positive outcomes were most likely when media use “fulfilled what they wanted it to do” and occurred under caregiver supervision.
Practical guidance for parents and caregivers
Clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Amoyal Pensak, founder of Atlantic Coast Mind and Body in New Jersey, offered complementary advice for families. She highlighted the rapid brain development and plasticity of adolescents, noting that neural pathways strengthen with use and weaken when neglected. Pensak likened this process to “building new roads and removing old ones” that no longer serve the brain.
To help children prune unhealthy habits, Pensak suggests a simple analogy: offering kids prunes they dislike to illustrate how negative experiences can be reduced. She advises parents to ask children to reflect on how they think, feel, and behave while using digital media. If a teen is constantly comparing body images on social platforms, she recommends a “reset” to shift focus away from harmful content.
Rather than imposing strict device bans, Pensak recommends a “shepherd” approach—guiding children by discussing their online activities and co‑viewing content. She also stresses the importance of complementing digital interaction with in‑person socialization, such as using apps to organize gatherings or connect with like‑minded peers safely.
Encouraging hands‑on activities, from crocheting tutorials to creative projects, can counteract depressive and anxious thoughts. Pensak notes that challenges within video games can boost self‑efficacy and confidence, which in turn supports healthy brain development.
Kara Alaimo, a communication professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, is quoted for her expertise on managing screen time. Her 2024 book, “Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back,” provides additional strategies for families navigating digital environments.
The study’s authors conclude that while warnings alone are unlikely to deter screen use, redirecting how children engage with technology—emphasizing purposeful, supervised, and balanced use—offers a more realistic path to protecting youth health.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
