More screen time in childhood associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence
In a study conducted at the Universities of Jyväskylä and Eastern Finland, more screen time since childhood was associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence. According to one of the researchers, we should not regard screen time solely as harmful. The most important thing is to find a balance between physical activity and screen time that promotes active thinking.
Research conducted by the Universities of Jyväskylä and Eastern Finland reveals a surprising link between screen time during childhood and enhanced cognitive processing in adolescence. Contrary to the popular belief that screen time is solely detrimental, the study suggests that more screen time could actually support cognitive development.
The study's lead researcher, Petri Jalanko, emphasizes that the key is not to avoid screen time, but to find a balance. He believes that encouraging children to use devices in a way that promotes active thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and learning is more beneficial.
Interestingly, the study found that higher amounts of light-intensity physical activity in girls since childhood were linked to better working memory in adolescence, while higher amounts of guided physical activity in boys from childhood to adolescence were associated with better working memory. Surprisingly, less unsupervised physical activity was connected to better cognitive processing in adolescence for both sexes.
However, the study did not find a direct link between device-measured physical activity and sedentary time and cognitive processing. This discrepancy could be due to the limitations of heart rate and movement sensors in accurately determining the nature of physical activity and sedentary behavior.
The researchers caution that these connections are complex and depend on various factors such as sex, type of activity, and the method used to assess physical activity and sedentary time. They also suggest that more intervention studies are needed to establish causal relationships and sex differences.
The findings are based on an eight-year follow-up of the PANIC study, involving 124 girls and 136 boys, with an average age of 15.8 years. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured using a device that combined heart rate and movement measurements, and learning, attention, and working memory were assessed using the CogState test battery.
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