A meta-analysis covering over nine million people demonstrated a correlation between the total screen time spent by children under ten years old and the deterioration of their socio-emotional and cognitive development.
For older age groups, specifically adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 24, digital content consumption was linked to several problems: worsening overall mental health, reduced quality of life and physical activity, and the emergence of suicidal thoughts.
However, there are positive aspects during childhood: educational content and viewing materials together with parents contributed to improving language and cognitive skills. In the adolescent group, active video games and body positivity-focused content, conversely, helped improve well-being and increase levels of physical activity.
The results of this comprehensive review were officially published in the journal eClinicalMedicine.