A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health has revealed that adolescents who engage in more than three hours of sedentary activities, such as playing video games or spending excessive time on screens, are at a heightened risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The findings underscore the significant impact of screen time and sedentary behaviour on adolescent well-being.
The Link Between Screen Time and Mental Health
The research focused on adolescents who spent more than 180 minutes a day on screens for leisure activities. It found that this excessive screen time was strongly associated with increased psychological distress by the age of 17. Video games were particularly influential, with every additional hour of gaming linked to a 3% increase in psychological distress.
Interestingly, the study also pointed out that the relationship between sedentary behaviour and mental health wasn’t solely negative. For instance, adolescents who spent between 60 and 119 minutes per day on educational screen activities—such as homework or attending classes—were found to have less psychological distress. This indicates that not all screen time is detrimental, but rather, the content and purpose of the screen time plays a crucial role in mental health outcomes.
A Closer Look at Sedentary Behaviours
Sedentary behaviour encompasses a variety of activities that require minimal physical movement, such as using a computer, watching TV, reading, and attending classes. While previous research has predominantly focused on total sitting time, this study suggests that the type of sedentary activity matters. Activities like attending class or doing homework—considered more “educational”—were seen as protective factors against psychological distress. However, passive activities like excessive internet browsing, social media use, or playing video games were linked to negative outcomes, such as increased feelings of anxiety and depression.
“Sedentary behaviour includes a variety of activities, and while some are beneficial, such as attending class and doing homework, others like excessive screen time or video gaming are harmful,” explained Andre de Oliveira Werneck, doctoral student at the School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (FSP-USP).
Impact of Excessive Reading
One of the surprising findings of the study was the association between excessive reading and psychological distress, particularly among boys. While reading is often linked to positive mental health outcomes, the study suggests that when it becomes excessive, it may lead to isolation. This is because time spent reading may replace opportunities for face-to-face or outdoor social interactions, which are protective for mental health. Additionally, if reading is done on digital devices, it can exacerbate the negative effects of excessive screen time.
The Growing Concern of Sedentary Behaviour
The issue of sedentary behaviour is becoming increasingly prevalent among adolescents worldwide. Alongside the physical health risks, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, sedentary behaviour is now being recognized as a significant factor in the rise of mental health challenges, particularly anxiety and depression, in young people.
In order to better understand the effects of sedentary behaviour on adolescent mental health, the research team from King’s College London followed 3,675 adolescents over several years. Data was collected when participants were 14 years old and again when they were 17. At age 14, participants recorded their physical activity, screen time, non-screen leisure activities, and educational behaviours. By age 17, the same participants reported their psychological distress levels.
Recommendations for Addressing Screen Time and Sedentary Behaviour
The study’s findings suggest several strategies to help mitigate the negative effects of excessive sedentary behaviour on adolescent mental health. First and foremost, researchers recommend setting clear limits on recreational screen time and encouraging more structured, educational screen activities. It’s also essential to promote physical activity and social interactions, as these activities help protect against feelings of isolation and mental distress.
The researchers also advocate for encouraging adolescents to spend more time engaging in face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities, which have been shown to support better mental health. Reducing passive screen time and promoting healthy screen habits—such as engaging in educational content rather than purely recreational use—could play a significant role in improving adolescent mental well-being.
Conclusion
This study reinforces the growing concern about the mental health impacts of excessive screen time and sedentary behaviour in adolescents. While some sedentary activities, like education-focused screen use, can be beneficial, prolonged screen time for leisure—especially video games—can contribute to greater psychological distress. The findings highlight the need for balanced screen time and increased emphasis on physical activity and social interactions to promote better mental health among young people.
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