Associations Between Screen Time Use and Health Outcomes Among US Teenagers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Established associations exist between screen time and adolescent health outcomes.
• Previous research often relies on parent-reported data, potentially introducing bias.
• Nationally representative, timely data on teen screen use and health are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine associations between high daily non-schoolwork screen time and adverse health outcomes in teenagers.
• To utilize self-reported data directly from adolescents for more accurate insights.
• To address gaps in current understanding of screen time's impact on teen well-being.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2021-2023 National Health Interview Survey-Teen (NHIS-Teen).
• Included teenagers aged 12 to 17 years, collecting self-reported health information.
• Defined high screen time as 4 or more hours of daily non-schoolwork screen use.

Main Results:

• Higher non-schoolwork screen use was associated with infrequent physical activity and strength training.
• Increased screen time correlated with poor sleep quality, including being infrequently well-rested and irregular sleep routines.
• Adolescents with high screen time reported more weight concerns, depression and anxiety symptoms, and lower perceived social and peer support.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported data confirm associations between high screen time and adverse health outcomes in teenagers.
• Findings highlight the need for interventions addressing excessive screen use in adolescents.
• Future research should explore content and interaction types on screens and their specific health impacts.