Reducing screen time for children and adolescents can improve mental health by decreasing behavioral and emotional issues and enhancing positive social interactions. A study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed the effects of reducing screen media use in 181 children. The results showed a significant overall improvement in mental health, with particular decreases in emotional and peer-related problems and increases in positive social interactions. The randomized trial found a moderate effect size, supporting earlier observational studies linking high screen time with poor mental health. Future research should explore long-term effects and different types of screen media to design more effective interventions.
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