Study Links High Screen Time to Brain Changes in Children

A 2026 study published in Acta Psychologica analyzed data from nearly 10,000 nine- and ten-year-olds and found a direct link between high screen time and reduced volume in the putamen.

The putamen acts as the brain's internal traffic controller, regulating rewards, language, and executive function, meaning excessive screen use impairs a child's focus and impulse control.

Researchers noted that fast-paced digital screens flood young brains with reward signals, causing emotional meltdowns when devices are abruptly turned off.