There is little evidence that teens have been hurt by screen time, according to a study

According to a study, the use of smartphones and other screens has little impact on the well-being of adolescents, even before falling asleep.

Although it is generally thought that time spent in front of a screen could harm the mental health of young people, researchers at Oxford University found little evidence to corroborate these fears, using data from over 17 000 teenagers.

"By implementing best statistical and methodological practices, we found little evidence of substantial negative badociations between digital screen engagement and adolescent well-being," said Amy. Orben, researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute.

Time use diaries and self-reported measures were used in the study of nearly 12,000 adolescents in the United Kingdom, more than 4,500 in Ireland and 790 in the United States. The results suggest that total screen time per day has had a limited impact on adolescent mental health, whether it is a weekend or a day of the week.

He also notes that the use of the digital screen two hours, one hour or even 30 minutes before sleep showed no clear badociation with a decline in well-being among adolescents. "While psychological science can be a powerful tool for understanding the connection between screen use and adolescent well-being, it consistently fails to provide high-quality surveys to stakeholders and the public. , transparent and objective on growing concerns about digital technologies, "said Professor Andrew. Przybylski, director of research at the Oxford Internet Institute and co-author of the study, published in the journal Psychological Science.

"By badyzing three different data sets, which include improved measures of screen time, we found little clear evidence that the time spent in front of a screen decreases the well-being of adolescents, even if the time spent in front of a screen is reduced. use of digital technology occurs directly before bedtime. "

The findings of this study come at a time when the government is preparing to release its online damage white paper on Monday, which could hold social media managers accountable for harmful content posted on their platforms.

The ministers will legislate for a new "duty of care" to be controlled by an independent regulator, according to proposals leaked to the Guardian.