What we know about screen time and social media in early adolescence: a review of findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review recent literature based on Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study data of over 11 000 participants about screen time and social media use in early adolescence, including epidemiology, trends, and associations with mental and physical health outcomes.

Recent findings: Time spent on screens and social media has risen among early adolescents (aged 9-15 years), and these increasing trends have been more pronounced since the COVID-19 pandemic. Both cross-sectional and 1-2-year follow-up data show that higher screen use, particularly social media, video games, video chat, videos, and texting, is associated with a range of mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and disruptive behavior disorders, although effect sizes vary. Screen time is also associated with sleep problems and various cardiometabolic risk factors. Parents' own screen use and restriction of bedroom and mealtime screen use are associated with lower early adolescent screen time and problematic use.

Summary: Analyses of current ABCD Study data reveal increasing use of screens and social media across early adolescence, with sociodemographic disparities in screen use as well as numerous associations between screens and adverse mental and physical health effects.