Not all screen time has the same effect on kids. A recent study suggests that video games may be the type most likely to fuel social and emotional problems, and the impact appears stronger in children who are already struggling.
The research, backed by the American Psychological Association, examined data from nearly 300,000 children. Dr. Michael Noetel, one of the study’s authors, notes that the findings highlight how prolonged gaming can interfere with healthy development. Here, we’ll examine the study’s findings and the recommendations that psychologists suggest parents should consider.
Video games, screen time, and child development
The team analyzed over 100 previous studies, pooling results to get a clearer picture of how screens affect kids. They looked at television, social media, online homework, and gaming. Among all categories, video games showed the strongest link to social and emotional disorders.
Older children, particularly those aged six to ten, seemed most vulnerable. The researchers found that long gaming sessions were associated with emotional distress, behavioral challenges, and weaker social skills. The relationship worked both ways. Kids with existing difficulties often turned to screens as a coping mechanism, which then worsened the very issues they were trying to escape.
Dr. Noetel explained in a statement that “children are spending more and more time on screens, for everything from entertainment to homework to messaging friends. We found that increased screen time can lead to emotional and behavioral problems, and kids with those problems often turn to screens to cope”.
The study also emphasized the role of guidelines. For children sticking within recommended daily limits, the difference between 10 minutes and 30 minutes of viewing was minimal. The risks appeared when kids exceeded the limits, showing a substantial association with socioemotional difficulties.
What parents can do
Experts stress that the goal isn’t to eliminate screens, but to balance them with real-world connections and healthier routines. Dr. Tara Narula, discussing the study on ABC News, noted that parents need to stay engaged with what their kids are watching and playing, not just how long. Here are practical ways parents can respond:
- Follow age-based guidelines: The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advises that children ages 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of high-quality screen time per day. Older kids should limit use and power down devices at least an hour before bed.
- Monitor quality, not just quantity: Pay attention to whether screen use is passive entertainment, interactive learning, or social connection. A game that isolates a child is different from one that fosters teamwork.
- Encourage face-to-face interactions: Kids need opportunities to practice empathy, communication, and conflict resolution in real life. Arrange playdates, family activities, or group sports to balance out screen habits.
- Be emotionally available: If children are turning to screens to cope, it may signal unmet emotional needs. Checking in regularly, listening without judgment, and offering support can reduce reliance on gaming for comfort.
- Model healthy habits: Kids notice how adults use their devices. Demonstrating moderation and setting screen-free times, such as during meals, reinforces boundaries.
While video games aren’t inherently harmful, this research shows how easily they can become a problem when limits are ignored. Parents who set clear rules, stay involved, and provide alternatives give their children a better chance to grow the social and emotional skills that screens alone can’t teach.