Screen time can affect health problems and skipping school

A new study from Jönköping University, in collaboration with Region Jönköping County, shows that most young people in Jönköping county spend significantly more time in front of screens than recommended. The study reveals a strong correlation between excessive screen time and health problems, including sleep difficulties, sedentary behaviour, and mental health issues.

The study, which surveyed over 5,000 young people aged 15–17, found that 88 per cent exceed the new screen time guidelines set by the Public Health Agency of Sweden. On average, the youths have a daily screen time of 6.2 hours—more than twice the new recommendations.

"The results of this study are important as they reflect young people's self-reported screen time. This is especially crucial since the new national guidelines suggest that screen time should be limited to 2–3 hours per day to protect the physical and mental health of young people," says Amir Pakpour, Professor of Clinical Science at the School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University.

More physical and mental health issues

The study compared young people whose screen time was within the recommended limits with those who spent more than three hours a day in front of screens. The researchers found the results concerning for the group with high screen time, as they report significantly more physical and mental health issues than the others. In the group with excessive screen time, the findings show that:

• 57 per cent get less than eight hours of sleep
• 27 per cent sit for long periods without being physically active (sedentary behaviour)
• 46 per cent have trouble falling asleep
• 39 per cent exhibit impulsive behaviour
• 44 per cent experience physical pain, such as headaches, back pain, and stomach aches
• 13 per cent show signs of gaming addiction
• 51 per cent feel stressed or upset
• 18 per cent experience poor mental health

The study also points to a link between excessive screen time and school absenteeism/skipping school, with 7.4 per cent of those with more than three hours of screen time per day reporting skipping school at least once a month - nearly twice as many as in the other group. This may indicate a potential social problem that extends beyond physical and mental health issues. Additionally, the study shows that 95 per cent of teenagers with ADHD spend more than three hours a day in front of screens.

Collaboration is key

Although this study shows correlations between screen time and various health and social outcomes, the researchers stress that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. They also emphasise that collaboration between the home, school, and healthcare is crucial to encourage healthier digital habits among young people.

“The study highlights the need for targeted measures and initiatives to reduce screen time and educate both youths and their families about its impact. Parents should take the lead by setting limits at home, schools should promote digital balance, and healthcare professionals can provide guidance on the mental and physical challenges associated with prolonged screen use,” says Gunilla Björling, Professor of Health and Care Science at the School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University.

Large public health survey provides the basis

The study was conducted by the Smart Gaming Group at Jönköping University, in collaboration with Region Jönköping County. The data comes from the Public Health Survey UNG 2023, conducted between September and October 2023, which included 5,323 young people aged 15–17 in Jönköping County.

“This is an important survey that examines young people's health and lifestyles and provides insight into what the situation in our society looks like today,” says Marit Eriksson, Epidemiologist at Region Jönköping County and lead researcher for the Public Health Survey UNG 2023.