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Cited by 174Child Development and Digital TechnologyImpact of Technology on AdolescentsChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Screen time and early adolescent mental health, academic, and social outcomes in 9- and 10- year old children: Utilizing the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development ℠ (ABCD) Study

Open access
Paulich, Katie N., Ross, J. Megan, Lessem, Jeffrey M., Hewitt, John K.·2021·PLOS ONE
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0256591PMC PMC8425530
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

In a technology-driven society, screens are being used more than ever. The high rate of electronic media use among children and adolescents begs the question: is screen time harming our youth? The current study draws from a nationwide sample of 11,875 participants in the United States, aged 9 to 10 years, from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study®). We investigate relationships between screen time and mental health, behavioral problems, academic performance, sleep habits, and peer relationships by conducting a series of correlation and regression analyses, controlling for SES and race/ethnicity. We find that more screen time is moderately associated with worse mental health, increased behavioral problems, decreased academic performance, and poorer sleep, but heightened quality of peer relationships. However, effect sizes associated with screen time and the various outcomes were modest; SES was more strongly associated with each outcome measure. Our analyses do not establish causality and the small effect sizes observed suggest that increased screen time is unlikely to be directly harmful to 9-and-10-year-old children.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In a nationwide ABCD Study sample of 11,875 U.S. children aged 9–10, more screen time was moderately associated with worse mental health, more behavioral problems, lower academic performance, and poorer sleep, but also with stronger peer relationships. Effect sizes were small (<2% of variance explained), and SES was more strongly associated with outcomes than screen time, suggesting screen time is unlikely to be directly harmful at this age.

Key findings

  • Weekday total screen time was significantly associated with externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, and number of close friends for both males and females, but not with depression, anxiety, or internalizing problems for females; for males, it was also not significantly associated with depression or anxiety.
  • Weekend total screen time was significantly associated with all outcomes for males, including depression, anxiety, and internalizing problems; for females, it remained significantly associated with externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, and close friends, but not depression, anxiety, or internalizing problems.
  • Screen time effects were small: “<2% of the variance explained” for all outcomes, while SES accounted for “much more of the variance (~5%).”
  • Child-reported weekday screen time averaged 3.39 hours (SD = 2.94) and weekend screen time 4.57 hours (SD = 3.54); parent-reported weekday screen time averaged 2.55 hours (SD = 2.59) and weekend 3.99 hours (SD = 2.66).

Methods

  • Data came from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study baseline, a nationwide sample of 11,875 children aged 9–10 recruited from 21 U.S. sites. Part 1 analyzed weekday screen time in 11,727 children; Part 2 analyzed weekend screen time in 11,672 children after exclusions for implausible values (≥18 hours/day) and missing data.
  • Measures included child and parent Screen Time Questionnaire reports, parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scales for depression, anxiety, internalizing, externalizing, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, and ADHD; parent-reported academic grades, sleep quantity and quality, and child-reported number of close male and female friends; covariates were combined family income (SES) and race/ethnicity.
  • Analyses used Pearson correlations and multiple linear regressions controlling for SES and race/ethnicity, run separately by sex, with interaction tests for sex × screen time; primary tests used a Bonferroni-corrected significance level of .004.

Limitations

  • The paper states that participants were only 9–10 years old, so screen time means were low—especially for texting and social media—and most participants did not show signs of mental ill health; follow-up as the cohort ages would likely be better powered.
  • The paper states that screen time items capped most subtypes at “4+ hours,” preventing examination of extreme screen time, and that most outcomes relied on parent report, which may be inaccurate for subtle symptoms such as internalizing problems.
  • The paper states that analyses do not establish causality; evident from the text, the baseline cross-sectional design and small effect sizes limit causal or clinical conclusions, and the sample tended toward upper-middle SES and was 52% White.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1371/journal.pone.0256591

Cites

37 of 37 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 31 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    There is a significant difference in parent reports of their child's screen time between weekdays (M=2.55, SD=2.59) and weekends (M=3.99, SD=2.66), t(11,748)=-61.63, p<.001.

    “There was also a significant difference in parent reports of their child’s screen time, t(11,748) = -61.63, p < .001, between weekdays (M = 2.55, SD = 2.59) and weekends (M = 3.99, SD = 2.66).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    More screen time is moderately associated with poorer sleep in 9- and 10-year-old children.

    “We find that more screen time is moderately associated with worse mental health, increased behavioral problems, decreased academic performance, and poorer sleep, but heightened quality of peer relationships.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Weekday screen time was positively associated with attention problems (β=0.074, p<.001).

    “| Main effect of ST | 0.074 | 5.07 | < .001* | .031 | .049 |”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Weekday screen time was negatively associated with sleep quantity (β=-0.149, p<.001).

    “| Main effect of ST | -0.149 | -10.69 | < .001* | .004 | -.103 |”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    More screen time is moderately associated with heightened quality of peer relationships in 9- and 10-year-old children.

    “We find that more screen time is moderately associated with worse mental health, increased behavioral problems, decreased academic performance, and poorer sleep, but heightened quality of peer relationships.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The number of close friends a participant has indicates that these friendships are of quality to the participant.
  • May combine two claims. 43
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 41
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 4

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    While the majority of correlations are significant, most are weak or moderate in strength.

    “While the majority of correlations are significant, most are weak or moderate in strength.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The main effect of SES was also often significant.

    “The main effect of SES was also often significant.”
    • Also stated in: § Part 2 · plain
      “The main effect of SES was also often significant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both main effects of weekday screen time and sex were often significant at Bonferroni corrected alpha .004.

    “both main effects of weekday screen time and sex were often significant at Bonferroni corrected alpha .004, as seen in Table 2.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The significant association between screen time and externalizing disorder symptoms was in line with previous research [13].

    “The significant association between screen time and externalizing disorder symptoms was in line with previous research [13].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] W Sanders, 2016, Parental perceptions of technology and technology-focused parenting: Associations with youth screen time, J Appl Dev Psychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For females, weekend total screen time is significantly associated with externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, number of close male friends, and number of close female friends.

    “As seen in Table 5, for females, total weekend screen time is significantly associated with externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, the number of close friends who are male, and the number of close friends who are female.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Of the types of weekday screen time, video chat and texting have the least reliable predictive power and are only significant for some outcomes.

    “Of the types of screen time, video chat and texting have the least reliable predictive power and are only significant for some outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both weekday and weekend total screen time are moderately associated with greater behavioral problems including ADHD, poor academic performance and poor sleep quantity and quality.

    “Both weekday and weekend total screen time are moderately associated with greater behavioral problems including ADHD, poor academic performance and poor sleep quantity and quality.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both main effects of screen time and sex were often significant at Bonferroni corrected alpha .004.

    “both main effects of weekday screen time and sex were often significant at Bonferroni corrected alpha .004”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For males, although total weekend screen time demonstrated a significant relationship to every outcome variable at alpha .05, the overall relationships between differing types of weekend screen time and depression, anxiety, and internalizing problems are not significant.

    “For males, although total weekend screen time demonstrated a significant relationship to every outcome variable at alpha .05, the overall relationships between differing types of screen time and depression, anxiety, and internalizing problems are not significant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Screen time-above and beyond both SES and race/ethnicity-is a significant predictor of some internalizing symptoms, behavioral problems, academic performance, sleep quality and quantity, and the strength of peer relationships for 9- to 10-year-old children, in both boys and girls.

    “Screen time—above and beyond both SES and race/ethnicity—is a significant predictor of some internalizing symptoms, behavioral problems, academic performance, sleep quality and quantity, and the strength of peer relationships for 9- to 10-year-old children, in both boys and girls.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Because participants are 9 and 10, they simply are not using screens as much as their older peers; means for screen time use are low, especially for texting and social media.

    “Because participants are 9 and 10, they simply are not using screens as much as their older peers; means for screen time use are low, especially for texting and social media”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For males, weekday total screen time is significantly associated with internalizing problems, externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, number of close male friends, and number of close female friends.

    “As seen in Table 3, for males, total weekday screen time is significantly associated with internalizing problems, externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, the number of close friends who are male, and the number of close friends who are female.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For females, weekday total screen time is significantly associated with externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, number of close male friends, and number of close female friends.

    “Additionally seen in Table 3, for females, total weekday screen time is significantly associated with externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, the number of close friends who are male, and the number of close friends who are female.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The majority of regressions of outcome variables on total weekday screen time were significant using a Bonferroni corrected p-value of less than .004, and were in line with our hypotheses, controlling for SES and race/ethnicity.

    “When running Multiple Regression separately by sex, the majority of regressions of outcome variables on total weekday screen time were significant using a Bonferroni corrected p-value of less than .004, and were in line with our hypotheses, controlling for SES and race/ethnicity”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The negative association between screen time and amount of sleep has been demonstrated previously [17].

    “The negative association between screen time and amount of sleep has been demonstrated previously [17]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] L Hale, 2015, Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: a systematic literature review, Sleep Med Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Observed effect sizes are small (<2% variance explained), with SES contributing much more to the variance in outcomes.

    “Observed effect sizes are small (<2% variance explained), with SES contributing much more to the variance in outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The negative association between screen time and academic performance may be of some concern to parents; another group of researchers reported a similar trend in a sample of Chinese adolescents [30].

    “The negative association between screen time and academic performance may be of some concern to parents; another group of researchers reported a similar trend in a sample of Chinese adolescents [30].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] H Yan, 2017, Associations among Screen Time and Unhealthy Behaviors, Academic Performance, and Well-Being in Chinese Adolescents, Int J Environ Res Public Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The frequencies of mature gaming and viewing of R-rated movies are also low.

    “The frequencies of mature gaming and viewing of R-rated movies are also low.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The majority of correlations between variables are significant, weak or moderate in strength.

    “As in Part 1, the majority of correlations are significant, are weak or moderate in strength”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The positive association between sleep disorder score and screen time is of interest.

    “The positive association between sleep disorder score and screen time is of interest”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For males, weekend total screen time is significantly associated with all outcome measures: depression, anxiety, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, number of close male friends, and number of close female friends.

    “As seen in Table 5, for males, total weekend screen time is significantly associated with all outcome measures: depression, anxiety, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, ODD, conduct disorder, attention problems, ADHD, academic performance, sleep quantity, sleep quality, the number of close friends who are male, and the number of close friends who are female.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Screen time is positively associated with the quantity and quality of peer relationships.

    “Conversely, screen time is positively associated with the quantity and quality of peer relationships.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Of the types of weekday screen time, video chat has the least reliable predictive power, and is significant in about half of outcome measures.

    “Of the types of screen time, video chat has the least reliable predictive power, and is significant in about half of outcome measures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Our results are in line with a recent review [22].

    “our results are in line with a recent review [22].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] CL Odgers, 2020, Annual research review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age: facts, fears, and future directions, J of Child Psychology and Psychiatry source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The only outcome measure demonstrating a significant interaction between screen time and sex, for both weekday and weekend, is number of close male friends.

    “The only outcome measure demonstrating a significant interaction term, for Part 1 and for Part 2, is number of close friends who are males.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Of the types of weekend screen time, video chat and texting have the least reliable predictive power and are only significantly associated with some outcomes.

    “Of the types of screen time, video chat and texting have the least reliable predictive power and are only significantly associated with some outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The majority of regressions of outcome variables on total weekend screen time are significant using a Bonferroni corrected p-value of less than .004 and are in line with our hypotheses, controlling for SES and race/ethnicity.

    “When running Multiple Regression separately by sex, the majority of regressions of outcome variables on total weekend screen time are significant using a Bonferroni corrected p-value of less than .004 and are in line with our hypotheses, controlling for SES and race/ethnicity”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Parent report of total weekend screen time is significantly related to all outcome variables.

    “Parent report of total weekend screen time is significantly related to all outcome variables.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both the current study and the previous [11] find only weak associations of screen time with internalizing problems in the baseline ABCD sample.

    “Overall, both the current study and the previous [11] find only weak associations of screen time with internalizing problems in the baseline ABCD sample.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] PQ Fors, 2019, Differential relationships of child anxiety and depression to child report and parent report of electronic media use, Child Psychiatry & Human Development source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The lack of significant relationships between screen time and internalizing disorder symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety) was surprising and does not align with prior findings by researchers who also used the ABCD study.

    “The lack of significant relationships between screen time and internalizing disorder symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety) was surprising and does not align with prior findings by researchers who also used the ABCD study to examine screen time as a predictor variable.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Of the types of weekend screen time, both video chat and texting have the least reliable predictive power and are significant in only about half of outcome measures.

    “Of the types of screen time, both video chat and texting have the least reliable predictive power and are significant in only about half of outcome measures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    TV and computer use-including social media and messaging-were related to more positive peer relationships, with the suggestion that those forms of media use might be culturally linked to socialization.

    “Researchers reported that TV and computer use—including social media and messaging—were related to more positive peer relationships, with the suggestion that those forms of media use might be culturally linked to socialization.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] RJ Iannotti, 2009, Patterns of adolescent physical activity, screen-based media use, and positive and negative health indicators in the U.S. and Canada, J Adolesc Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The Part 1 sample remained representative of the ABCD Study.

    “The sample remained representative of the ABCD Study, with 6111 males (52.1%), 5613 females (47.9%), and 3 individuals who chose not to disclose their sex.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Sleep duration mediates the association between screen time and problem behaviors in children.

    “Another study used the ABCD Study sample in examining the mediating role of sleep in screen time and problem behaviors in children, and found that sleep duration mediates the association between screen time and problem behaviors [19].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] MD Guerrero, 2019, Screen time and problem behaviors in children: exploring the mediating role of sleep duration, Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    All regressions controlled for both SES and race/ethnicity.

    “All regressions controlled for both SES and race/ethnicity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spending more time on screens is positively associated with the quality of peer relationships in school-age children.

    “It has been shown that spending more time on screens is positively associated with the quality of peer relationships in school-age children [21].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] RJ Iannotti, 2009, Patterns of adolescent physical activity, screen-based media use, and positive and negative health indicators in the U.S. and Canada, J Adolesc Health source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    After exclusions, the Part 2 analyses were conducted on a sample of 11,672 children ages 9 to 10.92 years (M=9.91, SD=0.62).

    “The current analyses were conducted on a sample of 11,672 children ages 9 to 10.92 years, (M = 9.91 years, SD = 0.62 years).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Previous literature links increased screen time to negative outcomes including poor mental health and worse behavioral problems.

    “Previous literature links increased screen time to a number of negative outcomes, including poor mental health and worse behavioral problems [9]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] J Parent, 2016, Youth Screen Time and Behavioral Health Problems: The Role of Sleep Duration and Disturbances, J Dev Behav Pediatr source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In an early data release of the ABCD Study (4528 participants), screen time was positively associated with anxiety and depression when controlling for age, sex, BMI, family income, race, and physical activity.

    “One study thus far has examined the relationship between screen time and mental health in the context of anxiety and depression in 4528 participants from an early data release of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study), reporting that, when controlling for participant age, sex, BMI, family income, race, and physical activity, screen time was positively associated with anxiety”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] PQ Fors, 2019, Differential relationships of child anxiety and depression to child report and parent report of electronic media use, Child Psychiatry & Human Development source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Different types of screen time (e.g., television, texting) showed differential relationships to anxiety and depression.

    “The same study also found that different types of screen time (e.g., television, texting) showed differential relationships to anxiety and depression.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] PQ Fors, 2019, Differential relationships of child anxiety and depression to child report and parent report of electronic media use, Child Psychiatry & Human Development source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    These significant differences suggest that weekday and weekend screen time and screen time use type differ, and therefore, should be examined separately.

    “These significant differences suggest that weekday and weekend screen time and screen time use type differ, and therefore, should be examined separately.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous studies have demonstrated negative associations between screen time and sleep quantity and quality, such that those who spend more time on screens get less sleep overall and more interrupted sleep.

    “previous studies have also demonstrated negative associations between screen time and sleep quantity and quality [17], such that those who spend more time on screens get less sleep overall and more interrupted sleep.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] L Hale, 2015, Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: a systematic literature review, Sleep Med Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Strategies with increased child screen time were associated with more externalizing behavioral problems.

    “One publication examined technology-related parenting strategies, reporting that strategies with increased child screen time were associated with more externalizing behavioral problems [13].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] W Sanders, 2016, Parental perceptions of technology and technology-focused parenting: Associations with youth screen time, J Appl Dev Psychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Schools in the ABCD Study were selected in part based on demographic makeup, ensuring the inclusion of all demographic groups.

    “Schools in the study were selected in part based on demographic makeup, ensuring the inclusion of all demographic groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    There has been a documented decline in academic performance with increased screen time.

    “There has also been a documented decline in academic performance with increased screen time [16]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [16] C Peiró-Velert, 2014, Screen media usage, sleep time and academic performance in adolescents: clustering a self-organizing maps analysis, PLOS ONE source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In that study, child report of weekday electronic media use and both child and parent report of weekend electronic media use were significantly associated with anxiety, and both child and parent report of both weekend and weekday electronic media use were significantly associated with depression.

    “The authors found that child report of weekday electronic media use and both child and parent report of weekend electronic media use were significantly associated with anxiety, and both child and parent report of both weekend and weekday electronic media use were significantly associated with depression.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] PQ Fors, 2019, Differential relationships of child anxiety and depression to child report and parent report of electronic media use, Child Psychiatry & Human Development source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A recent annual research review reported that previous literature examining screen time has produced mixed results, and that screen time itself may not be cause for concern; rather, how electronic media is being consumed by adolescents is the more important consideration.

    “However, a recent annual research review reported that previous literature examining screen time has produced mixed results, and that screen time itself may not be cause for concern; rather, how electronic media is being consumed by adolescents is the more important consideration [22].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] CL Odgers, 2020, Annual research review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age: facts, fears, and future directions, J of Child Psychology and Psychiatry source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Another study has linked screen time to increased adolescent depression and anxiety diagnoses, as well as to prevalence of treatment by a mental health professional and subsequent use of medication for psychological or behavioral health concerns.

    “Another study has linked screen time to increased adolescent depression and anxiety diagnoses, as well as to prevalence of treatment by a mental health professional and subsequent use of medication for psychological or behavioral health concerns [12].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [12] JM Twenge, 2018, Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study, Prev Med Rep source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The sex differences suggested that males and females differed in both independent and dependent variables, and therefore, should be examined separately.

    “The sex differences suggested that males and females differed in both independent and dependent variables, and therefore, should be examined separately.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The ABCD dataset is a quasi-representative, longitudinal dataset.

    “This resulted in a quasi-representative, longitudinal dataset”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    After exclusions, the Part 1 analyses were conducted on a sample of 11,727 children ages 9 to 10.92 years (M=9.91, SD=.62).

    “Thus, the current analyses were conducted on a sample of 11,727 children ages 9 to 10.92 years (M = 9.91 years, SD = .62 years).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    An Australian study suggests that the type of screen time matters.

    “An Australian study also suggests that the type of screen time matters [23]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] T Sanders, 2019, Type of screen time moderates effects on outcomes in 4013 children: evidence from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Screen time has been associated with attention problems; a study of French students found a significant association between screen time and total score of self-perceived attention problems and hyperactivity levels.

    “Screen time has also been associated with attention problems; one study utilized a sample of French students to examine the relationship between self-report screen time and self-perceived attention problems, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers found a significant association between screen time and total score of self-perceived attention problems and”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] I Montagni, 2016, Association of screen time with self-perceived attention problems and hyperactivity levels in French students: a cross-sectional study, BMJ Open source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The analyses rely on the normal distribution assumption; the independent and dependent variables are only approximately normally distributed, so p-values are subject to some imprecision.

    “The analyses conducted rely on the normal distribution assumption; the independent variables (screen time) and depended variables are only approximately normally distributed and thus p-values are necessarily subject to some imprecision.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    It has been posited that youth from low SES backgrounds may be disproportionately impacted by psychological problems linked to high screen time.

    “it has been posited that youth from low SES backgrounds may disproportionally impacted by psychological problems linked to high screen time [24].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [24] TK Oswald, 2020, Psychological impacts of “screen time” and “green time” for children and adolescents: A systematic scoping review, PLOS ONE source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The large sample size, determined by the design of the ABCD Study, ensures sufficient power to detect even small associations.

    “We utilized the entire existing dataset because the large sample size, which was determined by the design of the ABCD Study, ensures sufficient power to detect even small associations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The majority of outcome measures were evaluated through parent report rather than child self-report, and it is possible that parent evaluations are inaccurate, especially for more subtle symptoms such as internalizing problems.

    “Additionally, the majority of outcome measures were evaluated through parent report rather than child self-report, and it is possible that parent evaluations are inaccurate, especially for more subtle symptoms such as internalizing problems.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The sample was 52% White, 20.3% Hispanic, 15% Black, 2.1% Asian, and 10.5% Other or Prefer Not to Respond.

    “The sample was 52% White, 20.3% Hispanic, 15% Black, 2.1% Asian, and 10.5% Other or Prefer Not to Respond.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    We replicated their findings closely, which suggests that the discrepancy in our results primarily arises from the differences in the sample as it doubled in size.

    “We replicated their findings closely, which suggests that the discrepancy in our results primarily arises from the differences in the sample as it doubled in size.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] PQ Fors, 2019, Differential relationships of child anxiety and depression to child report and parent report of electronic media use, Child Psychiatry & Human Development source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The ABCD dataset draws from 21 research sites across the country, which in total recruited 11,875 children, ages 9 to 10 years, primarily from local schools, or, in the case of an embedded twin sample at four sites, from birth records.

    “The ABCD dataset was chosen for analysis because it draws from 21 research sites across the country, which in total recruited 11,875 children, ages 9 to 10 years, primarily from local schools, or, in the case of an embedded twin sample at four sites, from birth records.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Taken together, our results imply that too much time spent on screens is associated with poorer mental health, behavioral health, and academic outcomes in 9- and 10-year old children, but that negative impact on the subjects is likely not clinically harmful at this age.

    “Taken together, our results imply that too much time spent on screens is associated with poorer mental health, behavioral health, and academic outcomes in 9- and 10- year old children, but that negative impact on the subjects is likely not clinically harmful at this age.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Parent SES contributes to nearly every facet of children's physical and mental health outcomes.

    “perhaps because parent SES contributes to nearly every facet of children’s physical and mental health outcomes [28].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] M Vukojevic, 2017, Parental socioeconomic status as a predictor of physical and mental health outcomes in children–literature review, Acta Clin Croat

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The sample tended toward upper-middle SES.

    “The sample tended toward upper-middle SES, with 3.6% reporting annual family income <$5000;”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Internalizing disorders typically develop throughout childhood and adolescence.

    “because internalizing disorders typically develop throughout childhood and adolescence [31, 32]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [31] N Durbeej, 2019, Trends in childhood and adolescent internalizing symptoms: Results from Swedish population based twin cohorts, BMC Psychology source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [32] L Shanahan, 2014, Trajectories of internalizing symptoms across childhood: The roles of biological self-regulation and maternal psychopathy, Dev Psychopathol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The type of screen time use is more important to consider than screen time itself.

    “suggesting, as previous studies [22, 23] point out, that the type of screen time use is more important to consider than screen time itself.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [22] CL Odgers, 2020, Annual research review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age: facts, fears, and future directions, J of Child Psychology and Psychiatry source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [23] T Sanders, 2019, Type of screen time moderates effects on outcomes in 4013 children: evidence from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The lack of consistently significant interactions between screen time and sex, but often significant main effects for both, demonstrates that both screen time and sex predict the outcome variables, but the effect of screen time often does not depend on sex.

    “The lack of consistently significant interactions between screen time and sex—but often significant main effects for both screen time and sex—demonstrate that generally, both screen time and sex predict the outcome variables, but that the effect of screen time on the outcome variables often does not depend on sex, and vice versa.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Parent report is preferred for assessing some outcome measures of interest; in externalizing problems and attention problems specifically, the positive illusory bias skews youth self-report to overly positive reports of their performance [34, 35].

    “Additionally, parent report is preferred for assessing some outcome measures of interest; in externalizing problems and attention problems specifically, the positive illusory bias skews youth self-report to overly positive reports of their performance in comparison to criteria that reflects actual performance [34, 35].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [34] JS Owens, 2007, A critical review of self-perceptions and the positive illusory bias in children with ADHD, Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [35] E Bourchtein, 2017, Is the positive illusory bias common in young adolescents with ADHD? A fresh look at prevalence and stability using latent profile and transition analyses, J Abnorm Child Psychol source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    For the majority of outcome variables, parents responded to the Child Behavior Checklist, which demonstrates strong psychometric validity [33].

    “However, for the majority of outcome variables, parents responded to the Child Behavior Checklist, which demonstrates strong psychometric validity [33].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33] C Ebesutani, 2010, The Research Network on Youth Mental Health. Concurrent Validity of the Child Behavior Checklist DSM-Oriented Scales: Correspondence with DSM Diagnoses and Comparison to Syndrome Scales, J Psychopathol Behav Assess source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The ABCD Study is the largest long-term study of brain development and child and adolescent health in the United States.

    “the ABCD Study is the largest long-term study of brain development and child and adolescent health in the United States [26].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. About the study. ABCD Study. 2019. Available from: https://abcdstudy.org/about/

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The entire ABCD sample consists of more males (52.1%) than females (47.8%).

    “Of note, the entire ABCD sample consists of more males (52.1%) than females (47.8%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    When on screens, adolescents are communicating with their friends via texting, social media, or video chat, and the social nature of such screen time use strengthens relationships between peers and allows them to stay connected even when apart.

    “suggests that when on screens, adolescents are communicating with their friends via texting, social media, or video chat, and the social nature of such screen time use strengthens relationships between peers and allows them to stay connected even when apart.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
71 of 71

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Few studies have examined screen time use at such a young age; the majority of the current literature focuses on mid-to-late adolescence rather than very early adolescence.

    “Of additional importance, few studies have examined screen time use at such a young age. The majority of the current literature focuses on mid-to-late adolescence, rather than very early adolescence; the current study’s focus on 9- and 10- year old children fills that gap in the literature.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The number of close friends a participant has indicates that these friendships are of quality to the participant.

    “By specifically examining the number of close friends, rather than merely the total number of friends, we can assume that these friendships are of quality to the participant.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The ABCD Study baseline sample is representative of 9- and 10-year-old children in the US, so the findings generalize to that population.

    “for 9- to 10-year-old children, in both boys and girls”
    “in 9- and 10- year old children”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The screen time measures (self-report and parent report) accurately reflect participants' actual screen time.

    “By restricting the screen time maximum label to “4+ hours” for all subsets of screen time apart from total screen time, it was not possible to examine extremes in screen time”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The associations between screen time and outcomes are not substantially confounded by variables other than SES and race/ethnicity.

    “controlling for SES and race/ethnicity”
5 of 5

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Claim of sex differences in every outcome conflicts with sleep results

    Minor

    The analysis says sex differences existed in each outcome measure, but Table 1 reports nonsignificant sex differences in sleep quantity in both parts.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. BB Brown, 2009, Handbook of adolescent psychology: Contextual influences on adolescent development

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Paulich, K. N., Ross, J. M., Lessem, J. M., & Hewitt, J. K.
Affiliations
University of Colorado Boulder (US)
Corresponding author
Paulich, Katie N.
ORCID
Venue
PLOS ONE
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Published
2021-09-08
Volume
16
Issue
9
Pages
e0256591
ISSN
1932-6203 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0256591
PMC
PMC8425530
OpenAlex
W3198152199
Semantic Scholar
16ef4634bfa301e7ab71f47ffcceab416633aba8
Cited by
174
References
37
Citations by year
2026: 36 · 2025: 55 · 2024: 41 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 3
FWCI
36.45
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • PLoS ONE (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • CU Scholar (University of Colorado Boulder) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
National Institutes of Health (U01DA041022, U01DA041028, U01DA041048, U01DA041089, U01DA041106, U01DA041117, U01DA041120, U01DA041134, U01DA041148, U01DA041156, U01DA041174, U24DA041123, U24DA041147)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Child Development and Digital Technology
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Keywords
screen time, early adolescents, child mental health, behavioral problems, academic performance, sleep habits, peer relationships, socioeconomic status, Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, electronic media use, children aged 9-10
MeSH terms
Problem Behavior, Child Health, Adolescent Health, Academic Performance, Screen Time, Adolescent, Anxiety, Attention, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Child, Cognition, Depression, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Longitudinal Studies, Mental Health, Sleep, United States, Young Adult, Self Report

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-08.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-08.

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