Many children are now so reliant on screens that simply taking devices away may not be enough intervention to help them develop healthier emotional behaviour, research has found.
An analysis of 117 studies by the Australian Catholic University (ACU), involving 292,000 children from around the world, found that higher screen use exacerbated aggression, anxiety, short attention spans, and depression.
Young people experiencing these problems then reach for screens as a coping mechanism, creating a vicious cycle.
Lead author Roberta Vasconcellos said that if a child is already struggling with these issues or showing problematic behaviour, simply cutting down on screen time may not be enough to help.
“It is essential to support children in learning better ways to handle their emotions,” she said.
“Prioritising enough sleep, play, and social time can reduce their reliance on screens to cope with tough emotions.”
Older children in particular are more likely to exceed guidelines and rely on screens to manage their emotional challenges.
Managing Tantrums
Abruptly taking screens away can temporarily worsen things, causing kids to scream, cry, or lash out.
“That’s normal and doesn’t mean you’re doing the wrong thing,” Vasconcellos told The Epoch Times in an email.
To manage such outbursts, parents can use timed warnings before turning screens off and gradually reduce screen time.
“If they’re on screens four hours a day, don’t drop to one hour immediately. Reduce by 30 minutes each week,” Vasconcellos said.
Additionally, it needs to be replaced with fun activities like going to the park, cooking projects, or time with friends.
The worst time to reduce screens is when there is nothing else planned.
It is also important to remain calm during outbursts, since kids often test boundaries—a child will learn that tantrums are effective if the parents give in.
Vasconcellos recommended that parents acknowledge the feelings of their child through statements such as, “You’re really angry the iPad time is over. That’s hard, I understand.”
Replacing the Coping Mechanism
Screens often provide kids with an escape, or give them the feeling that they are in control or good at something.
“We need to replace those needs, not just take the screens away,” Vasconcellos said.
She recommended kids learn to manage their anxiety using simple breathing exercises or a designated “worry time” to discuss what is bothering them.
Additionally, physical activity such as a bike ride, kicking a football, or jumping on a trampoline can burn off nervous energy.
To manage aggression, Vasconcellos recommended outlets such as a punching bag, tearing up old newspapers, or vigorous exercise.
She also advised parents to teach their kids to express their feelings.
“Simple things work: drawing feelings, making up stories together, or just sitting with them when they’re upset,” she said.
“The key is connection. When kids feel heard and understood, they’re less likely to need screens as an escape.”
Developing Healthy Habits
Vasconcellos said kids need structure and attractive alternative options to develop healthy habits.
Setting clear boundaries, such as no screens during meals or before bed, and removing the most tempting apps while retaining educational ones can be effective.
Additionally, other activities such as playing games, building a fort, or cooking can be helpful.
“Most importantly, join in sometimes. Play their games with them, watch their shows together,” Vasconcellos said.
“When screens become something you share rather than something kids do alone, they’re less likely to become a problem.”
Different Needs of Neurodivergent Kids
Children with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions were excluded from the analysed studies because they often have different needs and respond differently to screens.
“We can’t say whether our findings apply to children with autism—that needs separate research,” Vasconcellos said.
“Some autistic children might benefit from certain types of screen use in ways that neurotypical children don’t,” she said.
According to the Child Mind Institute, screens can help neurodivergent children learn, connect with other kids, and reduce their anxiety.
Vasconcellos recommended that parents of children with autism work with the therapy team of their child to determine the right approach since this research is not designed to guide such decisions.
However, she said that all children need a balanced life and that even if screens help with some challenges, they should not replace all other activities.