Longitudinal associations between changes in screen-time and mental health outcomes in adolescents

- Recreational screen-time was negatively associated with mental health.
- Screen-time may be associated with a range of mental health outcomes.
- Non-recreational screen-time had no association with mental health.

IntroductionThe primary aim was to examine longitudinal associations between changes in screen-time and mental health outcomes among adolescents.MethodsAdolescents (N = 322, 65.5% females, mean age = 14.4 ± 0.6 years) reported screen-time and mental health at two time points over a school year. Multi-level linear regression analyses were conducted after adjusting for covariates.ResultsChanges in total recreational screen-time (β = −0.09 p = 0.048) and tablet/mobile phone use (β = −0.18, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with physical self-concept. Changes in total recreational screen-time (β = −0.20, p = 0.001) and computer use (β = −0.23, p = 0.003) were negatively associated with psychological well-being. A positive association was found with television/DVD use and psychological difficulties (β = 0.16, p = 0.015). No associations were found for non-recreational screen-time.ConclusionChanges in recreational screen-time were associated with changes in a range of mental health outcomes.