A comprehensive Australian study involving over 15,000 teenagers has found a significant correlation between excessive daily screen time and declining mental health outcomes. The research, published by the University of Melbourne, found teens spending more than four hours per day on social media and entertainment platforms were 60% more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Lead researcher Dr. Sarah Nguyen said the findings reinforce the need for digital literacy education in schools. "We are not saying screens are inherently bad — it's about how and how much they are being used," she explained.
The federal government has indicated it will review existing guidelines for children and teenagers in response to the findings.
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