SCREEN TIME AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN REGARD TO MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH 1

Interactions Between Screen Time and Physical Activity in Regard to Mental Health in Youth

Travis Rapuano

University of Lethbridge
SCREEN TIME AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN REGARD TO MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH 2

Abstract

The relationship between screen time, physical activity and mental health of youth will

be examined through reviewing the current literature and the information used to propose

recommendations for screen time and physical activity.

While several studies demonstrate that screen time is detrimental to health, and that

high levels of screen time are associated with a destructive effect on all mental health

indicators, (Atkin, Sharp, Corder & Sluijs, 2014; Kremer, Elshaug, Leslie, Toumbourou, Patton &

Wiliams 2016; Flament, Murray, Buchholz, Henderson, Obeid & Goldfield, 2015; Panova &

Lleras 2016; Wong & Faulkner, 2015; Vannucci, Flannery & Ohannessian 2017). Other studies

(Wilhelmsen, Wilmots, Dodd and Quinn 2010) indicate that online communication could be

helpful to those with anxiety problems, thus mitigating those detrimental effects. This review

explores the multiple and often conflicting results of current research on the relationship

between screen time, physical activity and mental health in youth.

This review finds that excess screen time and social media use is in fact a detriment to

youths mental health and that physical activity is important in healthy child development.

Keywords: screen time, mental health, youth, physical activity.

SCREEN TIME AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN REGARD TO MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH 3

The Interactions Between Physical Activity and Screen Time in Relation to Mental Health in

Youth

Technology is a double-edged sword when it comes to accessing information. As

technology becomes more universal, potential problems may arise. Over the course of two

Education practicums in elementary and middle school classrooms, coupled with my time as a

summer day camp leader and assistant director, I have come to notice some interesting trends

in relation to youth and screen time. Virtually every student had an iPhone, iPad, or some other

type of digital device on them at all times. The students would go outside for recess and engage

in sedentary activities on their devices. It is even getting to the point where screen time is a

reward for good behavior in the classroom. I have also noticed a trend not only in the physical

literacy levels of youth, but in basic physical activity levels. Instead of taking part in physically

active games in summer camp or gym class, many students would rather play on their phones

or computers. I have observed an increased, or at least more noticeable amount of obese

youth, and youth struggling with social anxiety and attention problems. Another facet to keep

in mind is the instant access to unfiltered social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram where

sexual content is easily accessible to children. Finally, technology allows for instant gratification,

unlike practicing a skill in order to be able to take part in a physical game.

Current literature strongly supports a major negative association between screen time

and the physical and mental health of youth. Janssen and Pickett (2010) describe a link

between screen time and multiple risk behaviors (MRBs). A common theme is that increased

screen time leads to a higher likelihood of obesity, anxiety and depression, especially when

screen time is taking the place of physical activity. On a positive note, there are multiple studies
SCREEN TIME AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN REGARD TO MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH 4

that suggest that an active lifestyle and physical activity can help to counter or mitigate the

negative effects of screen time. An active lifestyle can expedite desirable personality traits

during childhood (Laborde and Vella, 2015). On the opposite side of the spectrum, some

literature suggests that there is a positive aspect to screen time. Panova and Lleras (2016)

suggest that, the substitution of face to face interactions for mediated communication means

sacrificing opportunities for multi-layered social interactions, the practice of which could lead to

improved socializing abilities, higher confidence, feelings of competence, and eventually

decreased anxiety in social situations (p. 250).

Screen time, defined as time spent using a digital device such as a computer, television,

cell phone or gaming console, has exponentially risen over the last few years. The American

Academy of Pediatrics recommend less than two hours a day of screen time for children, while

ParticpACTION notes that kids are spending an average of seven and a half hours in front of

screens each day. This is an alarming statistic because the negative effects associated with

screen time are widespread and include physical health problems such as obesity, mental

health problems including anxiety, attention problems and depression as well as being

negatively influenced by unfiltered social media. Banduras social cognitive theory further

explains how media influences youth. Banduras theory of observational learning highlights that

people learn behaviors through observing others, therefore the unfiltered and unwanted

behaviors seen on social media may impact youths behavioral development (Carson, Pickett &

Janssen, 2011). This becomes an even bigger problem when youth are replacing physical

activity for example, team sports, which develop physical literacy and interpersonal skills, for
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screen time, such as video game or social media use, which develop the need for instant

gratification.

Physical activity has numerous health benefits such as controlling body composition,

reducing risk of multiple diseases, improving mental health, mood, confidence and self-esteem,

strengthening bones and muscles. Allen, Stewart & Laborde (2015) note that,

Through physical activity, children improve in attention, working memory and academic

performance, and these cognitive developments might generate less immediate

emotional responses to negative stimuli. And the development of important life skills

(such as patience) that occur through youth sport activities. (pg. 386)

It can often lead to new relationships being made and a sense of belonging. The latter point is

an interesting fact when thinking about physical activity as a mitigation for effects of screen

time. Even though social media allows people to connect with literally anyone in the world,

these connections are often superficial and do not replace physical, healthy relationships with

other people. Healthy attachment orientation is crucial to healthy development, and increased

screen time can have a negative effect on attachment relationships (Maras, et, al., 2015). Face

to face connections are more important than screen communication. Encouraging youths to

play sports is a great way to alleviate some effects of the sedentary, isolating environment that

goes hand in hand with screen time.

The intent of this study is to review the current literature and examine the effects of

screen time on behavior and/or mood disorders in youth, and the ways in which physical

activity can minimize or mitigate these negative effects. This knowledge will be used to provide

research based recommendations for physical activity and screen time limits.
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A literature search was conducted in order to investigate the effects of screen time on

youth. To locate articles mental health, terms such as mental health, anxiety and ADD were

used. Terms such as physical activity trends, obesity, screen time and social media were used in

order to find articles that focused on physical attributes associated with screen time. Online

databases including Academic Search Complete, MEDLine, Science Direct and Health and

Wellness Resource Center were utilized because of their direct correlation with kinesiology and

health studies. The articles selected were confined to being published in 2010 or later and were

directly regarding youth and adolescence.

Current research suggests that screens time effects youths mental health in a few

distinct ways. Both positive and negative impacts on mental health have been examined.

Anxiety, depression, obesity and the likelihood to develop risky behaviors, i.e. smoking and

doing drugs are all common findings in investigations pertaining to health and screen time.

Contrasting research considers the idea that screen time and social media have positive effects

on youth, and helps those with prior mental health issues, such as anxiety. This is a relatively

new phenomenon and the research is still on going, however, even with the varying outcomes,

the evidence leans toward an unhealthy correlation between screen time and mental health.

Depression and anxiety are the leading causes of burden of disease in youth, in fact, 5 to

9 percent of adolescents are clinically depressed while 21 to 50 percent report depressed

mood. By 2020 it is predicted that mental health problems in adolescence will be one of the

leading causes of disabilities in children (Maras, et, al., 2015). Anxiety and depression are linked

to other negative health outcomes such as poor relationships, behavioral problems, academic
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problems, substance abuse and low self-esteem. Maras, et, al., (2015) conducted a study to

determine if there is a correlation between these health disorders and screen time. They found

that, Results indicate that time spend engaging in sedentary screen-based activities was

significantly associated with severity of depression and anxiety. They went on to state that,

Video game playing and computer use were significantly associated with depressive

symptoms, while only video gaming was associated with anxiety (pg. 135). Some possible

reasons for this is that screen time could displace time that should be spent developing healthy,

face to face relationships. Furthermore, screen time leads to the higher risk of cyber bullying,

which has been shown to lead to depression. Another major reason is the social comparison

theory. Exposure to unattainable images that objectify the human body may contribute to

feelings of depression and anxiety (Maras, et. al., 2015). This point is becoming much more

prominent as of late due to popular apps such as Instagram, where posting pictures of oneself

doing something in order to gain validation through likes is becoming more important than

the actual experience itself. Furthermore, the social media aspect of screen time has the

potential to function as a source of stress of reinforce negative self-evaluations when

individuals receive undesirable feedback from others or engage in negative social comparisons.

Individuals with anxiety may engage in excessive reassurance seeking to validate their self-

worth or reduce intolerable feelings of uncertainty/worry through posting on social media sites

more frequently to obtain comments and likes (Vannucci, Flannery and Ohannessian, 2017).

This is becoming more prominent as social media is now mainstream and extremely popular.

Studies have also suggested that screen time may be used as avoidant coping strategies,
SCREEN TIME AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN REGARD TO MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH 8

promoting social isolation, meaning that people will either look, or pretend to look at a screen

in order to ignore others.

These negative correlations become more prominent when screen time is replacing

physical activity. Sisson, Broyles, Baker and Katzmarzyks (2010) find that, Higher levels of daily

screen-time based sedentary behaviors were associated with lower levels of PA (physical

activity) for both genders (pg. 310). They deduced that youth dedicating over 2 hours a day to

screen time lead to a significantly less likely chance that youth engage in physical activity and a

substantial increase in likelihood for obesity, which has been proven to lead to other symptoms

such as depression. Furthermore, Carson, Picket and Jannsen (2010) state that

A key construct in Bandura's theory is observational learning, which implies that people

learn behaviors by observing other people perform them as well as reinforcements they

receive for them. Therefore, screen time exposure to violent, sexual, drug or alcohol

content may impact adolescents' behavior, particularly given the volume of exposure

(pg. 99).

Todays video games are becoming increasingly violent and social media content is becoming

more and more sexual, while simultaneously gaining more popularity and use, which according

to Bandura implies that todays youth are also becoming more violent and more sexual. This is

backed up by a statement made in Andrew Murrays book Information Technology Law: The Law

and Society (2013), The prevalence of digital photographic devices and the use of images as a

form of communication rather than as a repository of memory have caused an explosive

number and circulation of sexualized images (pg. 418).

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On the other hand, social media use may enable youth with anxiety to take advantage

of its psychosocial benefits, such as an unlimited access to social support (Sisson, et. al., 2010).

Its no question that social media enables users to connect to an unmeasurable amount of

people through screens. In most cases these interactions are superficial, however it can be

argued that in some instances youth that have a hard time communicating with others may

have an easier time online. This could be because they have time to predetermine responses in

conversations and have the ability to just turn off the screen when feeling uncomfortable.

Green, Wihelmsen, Wilmots, Dodd and Quinn (2016) mention that the online environment can

offer a degree of controllability and reduced-cues, leading to feelings of disinhibition and that

it is unsurprising that previous research has highlighted that CMC (computer-mediated

communication) may benefit socially anxious individuals since they are drawn to low risk

environments (pg. 207). This may be a useful tool to help youth with severe social anxiety to

start communicating, however face to face interactions are much better for development.

Countless studies find that physical activity has major health benefits on people. Youth

specifically can benefit from the introduction of physical activity at an early age. Physical

activity not only helps build physical wellness but can be a major contributor to social and

emotional wellness. As someone builds the confidence and competence to be physically literate

they also gain the tools necessary to be able to stay physically active for life, which will help

them control their weight, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some

forms of cancer. It is known to help strengthen bones and muscles, improve mental health and

mood and increase longevity.

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Kremer et. al., (2014) states that, an increase of physical activity of approximately 1

hour per week was associated with an 8% decrease in the odds of depressive symptoms in both

boys and girls (pg. 183). However, they go on to report that only about 69% of youth actually

meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The hour of physical activity a day

that is recommended for youth is extremely beneficial. It can come from individual exercises

such as running or can come from participating in team sports. Not only does participating in

activity help to improve youths physical literacy, but it also has an effect on select

neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, that gets the participant to feel good,

Kramer, et. al., declares that, Child and adolescent physical activity should be encouraged

using mental health promotion funding (pg. 187).

Current research suggests that participating in physical activity takes health benefits a

step further and could actually help to diminish the negative effects of screen time. Youth

participating in physical activity such as sports or summer camps will not only gain the health

benefits of being active, but will also develop real, personal relationships that will help to

negate the time spent isolated on screens and help to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Research shows that lower levels of physical activity participation were significantly

associated with higher odds of engaging in excessive time spent on screens (Wethington, Pan

and Sherry, 2013). This is evidence that there is a parallel between screen time and physical

activity. When youth engage in physical activity instead of screen time they can expedite

growth in certain areas of development. For example, Allen, Villa and Laborde (2015) report

that,
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An important finding was that sport participation was associated with greater intra-

individual stability of personality for introversion. Previous studies have found that

stable personality traits are associated with positive health outcomes, and findings of

the current investigation indicate that increasing participation in extracurricular sport

might be an effective approach to reducing variability in the personality trait of

introversion during early childhood. (pg. 386)

Clearly, one genuine way to help promote positive mental health and stability in youth is to be

involved in sports. The real life, face to face connections are invaluable and when started at a

young age can help youth to develop strong interpersonal skills, especially when many

relationships are through a screen.

Based on the literature, there are a few main challenges to balancing physical activity

and screen time. It is easier, and sometimes even cheaper for a parent to give a child a screen

to sit in front of instead of registering her in an organized sport. Many parents are too busy to

take time out of their day to be active with their children, and increasing budget cuts to school

boards are starting to lower the quality of, and available time for physical education.

Furthermore, social media and the increased amount of negative news coming from the

internet and television may have scared parents into letting their children have free time

outside to play.

In conclusion, based on the available literature, screen time is almost always associated

with negative health outcomes in youth. Anxiety, depression, self-image and confidence

problems are just a few of the terms coupled with screen time. Physical activity is universally

regarded as a way to become healthier and an even as a way for kids to negate some of the
SCREEN TIME AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN REGARD TO MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH 12

negative effects of screen time. Sport participation is a key way for youth to engage in

relationship building and learning how to cope with challenges that they will face in life. Even

though they may not be as assessable as many would like many sport and summer camp

programs have a variety of funding or subsidy programs in place to help negate some of the fee

to families that cant afford it. One recommendation is that parents tune out some of the

negative media suggestions about keeping kids safe inside the house, and allow their children

to go outside and experience play with each other, build friendships and have fun.
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