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A large-scale study tracking over 10,000 American children has found a correlation between excessive screen time and slower development in brain regions responsible for attention. The research, published in the journal Translational Psychiatry in October 2025, suggests that children who spend more than three hours daily on screens may experience increased symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Researchers analyzed brain scans and behavioral assessments of children aged 9 to 10. The findings indicated that children using screens for more than three hours per day showed a higher propensity for ADHD-like behaviors compared to their peers. These symptoms were observed to increase gradually over a two-year follow-up period, with the most significant progression noted in children using screens for four to five hours daily.
The study utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a long-term project tracking child brain development in the United States. Imaging revealed that children with high screen usage exhibited smaller gray matter volume in the brain’s outer layer, which is associated with high-level thinking, as well as a smaller right putamen, a deep brain region linked to self-control and motivation. These areas are typically smaller in children diagnosed with ADHD.
Qiulu Shou, a professor at the University of Fukui and lead researcher of the study, suggested that the brain’s reward mechanism plays a central role in these findings. According to Shou, digital content such as games and videos often utilizes fast-paced, high-stimulation feedback loops that may condition the brain to expect immediate gratification. This can make slower-paced activities, such as reading or completing schoolwork, more challenging for children to focus on.
Mark Stein, a clinical psychologist and director of the PEARL Clinic at Seattle Children’s Hospital, noted that the data reinforces the necessity of monitoring screen time. While acknowledging that screens are integrated into modern life, Stein suggested that parents distinguish between active, educational use and passive consumption. He recommended treating screen time as a reward rather than a default activity and emphasized the importance of parents modeling healthy digital habits for their children.
The research also noted that excessive screen time is often associated with reduced sleep and fewer outdoor activities, which are critical for child development. While the study highlights a consistent pattern across a large sample size, researchers noted that the impact on individual children may vary.
Article source: www.epochtimes.com | Image credit: www.epochtimes.com
