A team of psychologists and mental health specialists in Denmark found that limiting children's usage of tablets to just 3 hours a week could lead to significant improvements in their mental health. The researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial involving 89 families with 181 children from 10 Danish cities, focusing on the impact of reducing phone and electronic device usage on children's well-being. Previous studies highlighted that spending long periods watching films, browsing social media, or playing video games is associated with mental health issues in children, such as aggressive social behavior and difficulties in emotional regulation.
The trial included assessments of all participating children to gather information on their social skills, general behavior, emotional stability, and overall mental health. The research team requested that children from 45 families restrict their electronic device use to just 3 hours a week for two weeks, with video screens installed in participants' homes to ensure compliance with the request. At the end of the trial, the researchers observed significant improvements in the children's social skills, including a reduction in behavioral problems and better handling of emotional issues.
