Children Spending More Time on Screens Linked to Increased Depression and Anxiety, Study Finds

2 months ago | 5 Views

Staying active is just as vital for adults as it is for children. Regular physical activity is key to maintaining both physical and mental health. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders highlighted a concerning issue: young children who are inactive are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. This trend is especially prominent among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Connection between physical activity and mental health in kids

Children feel depressed and anxious when they stay inactive for long periods.

The study's findings revealed that children who engage in more physical activity tend to experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, regardless of whether they have a developmental disorder. Among children with autism, 69% of those who were completely inactive had high anxiety levels, compared to 55% of those who exercised at least once a week. Similarly, 39% of physically inactive children with autism experienced depression, while only 29% of those active 1–3 days per week and 23% of those active 4–7 days per week reported the same.

A similar trend was observed in children with ADHD, with 42% of inactive children experiencing anxiety, compared to 40% of those active 1–3 days per week and 32% of those active 4–7 days per week. Depression rates followed a similar pattern.

Interestingly, even among healthy children, physical activity had a positive impact. Anxiety levels dropped from 16% in those who were inactive to 7% in those who were active 4–7 days per week.

These findings underscore the significant mental health benefits of even minimal physical activity for children, regardless of developmental conditions. Encouraging regular physical activity can have a positive impact on children's mental well-being, making it an essential step toward improving their overall health.