Excessive screen time linked to higher risk of depression, anxiety in Children, study finds

A major new study published in the Nature Portfolio has found that excessive screen time among children is strongly associated with a wide range of adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and behavioural problems.

The research, which analysed data from more than 50,000 children in the United States aged between six and 17 years, shows that children who spend four hours or more per day on screens face significantly higher odds of developing mental health disorders compared with peers who have lower screen exposure.

According to the findings, excessive screen use increases the likelihood of depression by 61 per cent, anxiety by 45 per cent, behavioural or conduct problems by 24 per cent, and ADHD by 21 per cent.

The authors describe the results as one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of the mental health risks associated with prolonged screen engagement in children and adolescents.

Clinicians at Flow Neuroscience, the company behind the first FDA-approved non-drug, non-invasive treatment for depression, say the real-world implications may be even more serious than the study suggests.

They argue that many affected children are frequently prescribed antidepressants despite their young age, often with limited alternative treatment options available.

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Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience, said the strong link between screen time and depression is particularly alarming.

“What is most concerning about these results is the high probability of depression,” Nearney said. “While there are effective treatments for depression, treatment from a young age can present challenges that may further negatively impact a patient’s life, partly due to the side effects associated with antidepressant use.”

She added that non-drug interventions for children remain limited, with talking therapies often being the only alternative. “Unfortunately, non-drug options are scarce, leaving a gap in the provision of services and exposing vulnerable children to increased risk,” she said.

The study adds to growing global concern among health professionals, educators and policymakers over the mental health impact of prolonged screen exposure, particularly as digital devices become increasingly embedded in children’s daily lives.

Experts say the findings underscore the need for clearer screen-time guidelines, early intervention strategies, and expanded access to age-appropriate, non-pharmacological mental health treatments for young people.