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"To our knowledge, this study is the first to present a developmental analysis of the variations of depression and different types of screen time," the researchers wrote.
The study involved 3,826 students in Grades 7 through 11 in 31 schools in the Montreal area of Canada. Between 2012 and 2018, students were asked to complete classroom surveys to assess their on-screen behaviors and their symptoms of depression.
The screen duration was measured by asking students how much time they spent each day playing video games, using social media, watching TV and using a computer.
The symptoms of depression were measured by asking students to indicate, on a scale from zero (not at all) to four (many), how well they displayed seven known symptoms of depression, such as feelings of depression. loneliness, sadness or despair. These symptoms were measured in units.
The researchers found that the sharp increase in social media usage over four years was associated with an increase in depression – and each one-hour increase in the average time allocated by students to social media was associated with to an increase in the severity of the symptoms of depression during this same period. same year.
The trend of already seeing high levels of television for four years without an increase was associated with a decrease in depression. However, researchers found that each additional hour of average time that students reported spending on television in a given year was associated with increased severity of depression symptoms that year.
The researchers found that a high rate of computer use over four years was associated with an increase in depression, but that any increase in its use during the same year did not increase. was not associated with increased severity of depression.
No significant associations were found between video games and depressive symptoms.
The study had certain limitations, including the fact that only associations between screen time and depression were found. Further research is needed to determine if there is a causal link in order to answer the following question: Can young people who already have symptoms spend more time on screen or a screening time? overeating could heighten the symptoms?
In addition, although the study distinguishes different types of screen time, it is necessary to continue research to distinguish different types of platforms or genres, such as Snapchat versus Instagram for social media, or sitcoms against reality TV.
"More research is needed to determine if there is a cause and effect relationship between screen time and youth depression, and if so, we need to know how it works and how to prevent depression. among young people, "said Dr. Michael Bloomfield, member of the Research Committee on Excellence and Head of the Research Group on Translational Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist at University College London, UK, who did not participate in the study.
Social media can be a useful tool for tweens and teens to learn and connect with friends, but experts recommend using them in moderation.
In addition, the academy recommends that the time spent in front of a screen does not interfere with the daily activities and sleep of young people. It is recommended to avoid exposure to the devices or the screen one hour before bedtime.
One trick is to install a charging station at home, he said, so that cell phones are not loaded into the room, which can lead to distractions and sleep interruptions.
"Get an alarm clock so that the child does not use his phone as an alarm and actually limits night use because we know that sleep affects mood and everything else" Maslow said.
"It's a balance, because there are benefits to engagement with the media." Social media is very important for social media, but it can also replace the social support and connection of people with whom you work. live in person, "he said. "So, it's finding this place perfect."
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