06/03/2026
A major longitudinal study using data from nearly 12,000 American children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development project found that higher screen time at ages 9 to 10 predicted more severe ADHD symptoms two years later. Researchers at the University of Fukui in Japan, publishing in Translational Psychiatry, found that heavier screen use was linked to subtle but measurable differences in brain structure, including a slightly thinner cortex, the outer layer responsible for attention and higher-level thinking, which in turn was tied to worsening attention problems. The effects were modest rather than dramatic, and the study shows association rather than absolute proof of cause. Experts recommend setting clear limits on recreational device use while prioritising sleep, outdoor play and face-to-face interaction for healthy development.
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