Children's screen use linked to long-term attention and self-control problems, study finds

study has found screen use for children is linked to long-term problems with attention, self-control and planning.

The University of Auckland study - which pulled together research from around the world - found 81 percent of 58 studies showed at least one negative link between screen use and the brain's executive function, or management system.

Lead researcher Claire Reid said the study found "a really clear pattern" that higher or problematic screen time predicted difficulties in attention and focus, planning, impulse control, and that it could result in long term physical changes to children's brains.

"Your [brain's] executive function is really fundamental to many important life outcomes. It's been proven to predict or linked to things such as helping learning, your academic success, your social success, your wealth, your career, and emotional regulation - wellbeing, mental health and resilience," said Reid, who is a PHD student at the School of Psychology.

Read the full article at RNZ.

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