Too much screen time ‘leads to suicidal behaviour in kids’

TOO much screen time could lead to suicidal behaviour in children, a study found.

Each extra hour spent by nine to 11-year-olds was linked to a nine per cent higher risk two years later.

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Researchers analysed data from a long-term study of brain development in the US.

Author Dr Jason Nagata said screens often replaced “socialising, activity and sleep”.

He explained: “Screen usage could lead to social isolation, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption, which could worsen mental health.

“Parents should regularly talk to their children about screen usage and role model screen behaviours.”

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The Health Foundation charity said one in six children aged six to 16 in England “had a probable mental health condition in 2021”.