Excessive Screen Time Among Australian Children Ages 10 and Younger Linked to Anxiety, Depression, and Behavioral Issues

Published on 6.13.25

  Excessive screen time among children aged 10 or younger is a growing concern for parents and experts alike, as research suggests it can have severe consequences on their mental wellbeing. A recent study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin found that kids who spend more time on screens are at higher risk of developing anxiety, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems. In Australia, primary schoolers average six-and-a-half hours a day on screens, while junior high schoolers spend an average of nine hours daily. One in ten students exhibit signs of clinical-level Internet Gaming Disorder. This excessive screen time is affecting children's behavior and mental health. Girls are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems after increased screen use, while boys tend to turn to screens as a coping mechanism. Teenagers who spend over two hours a day on phones or tablets are at risk of developing anxiety and depression, with prolonged screen time quadrupling the chances of depression among adolescents. A nine-month study found that 45% of 12- to 17-year-olds experienced psychiatric symptoms requiring further medical evaluation.

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