Screen time and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Children's exposure to electronic screens has risen sharply. This study quantitatively evaluated the association between excessive screen time and childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk through a systematic review and meta-analysis, exploring the moderating roles of age and media type.

Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched observational studies assessing children's screen time and ADHD, and finally included 10 observational studies with overall low-to-moderate risk of bias. Risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. Continuous data were unified using the Chinn conversion rule. A DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses, leave-one-out sensitivity analyses, and Begg's and Egger's tests were also conducted.

Excessive screen time was significantly associated with elevated childhood ADHD risk (pooled OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.31-1.87, P < 0.001). Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed (Q = 344.51, I² = 97.4%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant age-related heterogeneity: preschoolers (0-6 years) showed a larger magnitude of association (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.44-3.98), whereas the association in school-age children and adolescents (>6 years) was of smaller magnitude (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.29). Passive TV/video viewing showed a higher point estimate of ADHD risk (OR = 2.20) than interactive digital media (OR = 1.10), but the between-group difference did not reach statistical significance. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.

Excessive screen exposure is significantly associated with elevated ADHD risk in children, with distinct age-specific and media type-specific patterns. The preschool period appears to be a high-risk window for screen-related neurodevelopmental effects, with a trend toward stronger association for passive screen exposure. Public health and clinical interventions should prioritize restricting early screen exposure, particularly passive, fast-paced videos without substantial interaction.