Understanding how screen media affects mental health and brain development in children and adolescents
Official title: Tracking the impact of screen media activity on mental health, cognition and the brain from childhood to adolescence in the longitudinal ABCD study
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11001565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different types of screen time, like playing video games and using social media, affect the mental health and brain development of kids and teens aged 10 to 20, helping us understand what kinds of screen activities might be good or bad for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $331,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133138-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents aged 10 to 20 who engage in various forms of screen media.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fall within the age range of 10 to 20 or those who do not engage with screen media may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of various types of screen media activity, such as video gaming and social media use, on the mental health and cognitive development of children and adolescents. By utilizing a large longitudinal dataset from the ABCD study, which follows nearly 12,000 children from ages 10 to 20, the research aims to determine how different screen media activities influence emotional regulation, cognition, and brain development over time. The study will analyze both active and passive screen media interactions to identify their specific effects on mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into how screen media influences mental health and cognitive development, potentially guiding parents and policymakers in making informed decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smaller studies have shown mixed results regarding the effects of screen media on mental health, but this research aims to provide more definitive answers through a larger and more comprehensive approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaarani, Bader — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Chaarani, Bader
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.