In 2019, three of the top four most talked about articles in JAMA Pediatrics assessed the effects of screen time on children or adolescents.

1) “Association of Screen Time and Depression in Adolescence“

“To our knowledge, the present study is the first to present a developmental analysis of variations in depression and various types of screen time. This study indicated that adolescents’ social media and television use should be regulated to prevent the development of depression and to reduce exacerbation of existing symptoms over time.”

2) “Associations Between Screen-Based Media Use and Brain White Matter Integrity in Preschool-Aged Children“

“This study found an association between increased screen-based media use, compared with the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) guidelines, and lower microstructural integrity of brain white matter tracts supporting language and emergent literacy skills in prekindergarten children. The findings suggest further study is needed, particularly during the rapid early stages of brain development.”

3) “Association Between Screen Time and Children’s Performance on a Developmental Screening Test“

“The results of this study support the directional association between screen time and child development. Recommendations include encouraging family media plans, as well as managing screen time, to offset the potential consequences of excess use.