Scant harm seen in digital technology use
A scientific paper published this week argues that the association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use is insignificant. The University of Oxford researchers used data from more than 350,000 teens asking questions about depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, social behaviour and peer-relationship problems.
Scientific American says: "Technology use tilts the needle less than half a per cent away from feeling emotionally sound. For context, eating potatoes is associated with nearly the same degree of effect and wearing glasses has a more negative impact on adolescent mental health ... "
However, it all depends on the kid and what they're actually doing on the screen. Earlier studies found a couple of hours a day was not harmful but longer engagement could be. Negative effects of technology depended on other issues a user might have.