The Chief Medical Officer for the UK has published commentary an independent research on the connections between the number of screen-based activities and positive or negative effects on children and young people’s mental health. The research found that there is currently no clear evidence of a causal relationship between screen time and mental health. However, the CMO still advises a precautionary approach and has set out advice for parents and carers.
The advice includes leaving phones outside the bedroom at bedtime, advising children to put their phones away when crossing the road, talking to children about using their phones and what they are watching, and having screen-free mealtimes.
