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Screen Time, Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, and Associated Health Risks in Children: A Narrative Review
Valeria Calcaterra1,2, Hellas Cena3,4, Luca Marin5,6
1Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Excessive screen time in children and adolescents is linked to poor diet, obesity, and mental health issues. Interventions should address screen duration, content quality, and digital marketing to improve health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Nutritional Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Increased digital device use has led to higher screen time in children and adolescents.
- Concerns exist regarding the impact of screen exposure on pediatric dietary behaviors and overall health.
- This review synthesizes current evidence on the screen time-diet-health nexus in youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between screen exposure and unhealthy eating behaviors in pediatric populations.
- To investigate the association between screen time and physical and mental health risks in children and adolescents.
- To identify potential intervention strategies for mitigating negative health effects of screen time.
Main Methods:
- A narrative literature review was conducted using major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science).
- Studies published up to April 30, 2026, involving individuals aged 0-18 years were included.
- Findings were synthesized qualitatively, prioritizing higher-level evidence like systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Main Results:
- Excessive screen time correlates with increased snacking, mindless eating, breakfast skipping, and consumption of ultra-processed foods.
- Screen exposure is linked to sedentary behavior, sleep disturbances, and altered appetite hormones, contributing to obesity and metabolic risks.
- Adolescents with high screen use report increased anxiety, depression, emotional eating, and body image dissatisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Screen time is a modifiable factor influencing pediatric dietary habits, metabolic health, and psychological well-being.
- Prevention requires reducing screen duration, enhancing media content quality, and implementing family/school-based programs.
- Further longitudinal and interventional research is crucial to establish causality and refine prevention strategies.
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