Screen Time Is Not All Bad For Kids' Brains

FRIDAY, Aug. 14, 2026 (HealthDay News) — More screen time isn’t always bad for kids' brains.

It may even have some surprising benefits, according to a new study from Finland published in the journal Pediatric Exercise Science.

Researchers followed 260 children for eight years, tracking their physical activity, sedentary behavior and screen time from childhood through adolescence.

They found that more screen time over those years was associated with better cognitive processing at an average age of nearly 16.

"We should not regard screen time solely as harmful," said first author Petri Jalanko, a doctoral researcher at the University of Jyväskylä.

What kids are doing on their screens may be key, Jalanko said, adding that parents and teachers should encourage screen activities that promote active thinking, problem-solving, creativity and learning.

The findings around physical activity were more complicated.

Some types were linked to better working memory, but overall activity measured by tracking devices showed no connection to cognitive processing.

"Our study indicates that the connections of physical activity and sedentary behavior to cognitive processing are complex and depend on the sex, the type and assessment method of physical activity and sedentary time," Jalanko said in a news release. "Moreover, boys and girls may benefit from different types of physical activity in view of brain health."

Though more research is needed, the authors said the goal is finding the right balance of physical activity and screen time to support active thinking.

More information

Harvard Medical School has more on screen time and the brain.

SOURCE: HealthDay TV, Aug. 14, 2026