During this study of over 10,000 Irish children, age-related associations were found between screen time and problem childhood behaviour. Greater externalizing and internalizing behaviors at age 3 were directionally associated with increased screen time at age 5. Greater screen time at ages 3 and 5 was directionally associated with increased internalizing behaviors at ages 5 and 7, respectively. More screen time at age 7 was directionally associated with fewer internalizing behaviors at age 9. Screen time was not associated with later externalizing behaviors.

Neville, R.D., McArthur, B.A., Eirich, R., Lakes, K.D. and Madigan, S. (2021). J Child Psychol Psychiatr, 62: 1475-1484. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13425

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.13425?campaign=woletoc