As summer rolls in and kids have more free time, many are spending extra hours on electronic devices — and some parents are worried. But a recent study co-led by Arizona State University (ASU) suggests that screen time may not be as harmful as many caregivers fear.
“Excessive screen time has been linked to concerns like sleep problems, less physical activity, and struggles with attention and social development,” said Juyoung Kim, the principal investigator of the study, who conducted the research during her time at ASU.
The study looked closely at both screen time and the content children engage with on their devices. Kim emphasized, “Screen time isn’t harmful by default. While excessive use can be damaging, recent research suggests the type of content and how it’s used play significant roles in its effects on child development.”
According to the study, co-authored by Monica Tsethlikai, an associate professor at the Sanford School, educational content can benefit children, while recreational content may negatively impact executive functioning and school adjustment.
For instance, watching 10 hours of random TikTok videos might have different effects compared to playing an educational video game like Minecraft, which encourages creativity and teamwork.
A New Perspective on Screen Time
The study analyzed data from nearly 1,500 South Korean children in third and fourth grades. Researchers tracked daily screen time, categorized by devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. They also assessed how much time was spent on educational versus recreational content, and how it impacted children’s executive function and school adjustment, as reported by teachers and parents.
Kim explained, “Earlier studies often focused only on how long children spent on screens, overlooking the content they engaged with. Our research emphasizes the importance of both the amount of time and the type of content.”
One surprising finding was that the total amount of screen time didn’t predict poorer school adjustment. “This was unexpected,” Kim said. “It shows that what children do during screen time, rather than how much time they spend, has the most significant impact.”
Educational vs. Recreational Content
However, the study’s conclusions are not one-size-fits-all. What’s considered recreational by some may be educational for others.
“For example, kids watching sports programming might seem like they’re just having fun, but for young people serious about improving their skills, it can be a learning experience,” Tsethlikai noted.
She also pointed out that growing numbers of boys are watching games due to the rise in online sports betting, an issue that complicates how we view recreational content.
“The results are mixed, and that’s concerning,” she added. “We need more in-depth research to understand not only what kids are doing online but why they’re doing it.”
How Parents Can Guide Screen Time Choices
Parents can help children make healthier choices when it comes to screen time this summer. They can use the findings of the study to steer kids toward age-appropriate, educational content that promotes creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking — like science apps, virtual museum tours, or kid-friendly educational videos.
Tsethlikai stressed, “Parents need to stay informed about what their kids are doing online, especially younger ones. Make sure you’re aware of the apps they’re downloading.”
When it comes to screen time limits, experts agree that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s more important to focus on balance and quality, rather than adhering to strict time limits. Even organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommend a set daily screen time limit. Instead, they advise ensuring that screen use doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, learning, or in-person social interactions.
Tsethlikai encouraged caregivers to help children balance their screen time with outdoor activities, face-to-face interactions, and peer engagement to support their overall development.
