British scientists from King's College London have concluded that teenagers can spend no more than three hours a day on social networks or playing video games without harming their psyche. If this figure is exceeded, there is a risk of stress. The study is published in the scientific journal Journal of Adolescent Health (JAH).

The team analyzed data from 3,675 young people who recorded their activities in diaries at age 14. At age 17, the same group assessed their stress levels using a questionnaire.

The results showed that teens who spent more than 180 minutes a day being entertained in front of a screen were more likely to experience anxiety and depression by age 17.

It also found that each additional hour in video games increases the risk of stress by 3%.

At the same time, moderate use of devices for educational purposes (60-119 minutes a day) reduced stress levels.

The researchers emphasized that young people's mental health can be affected by excessive reading. Teens who spent more than three hours a day reading books also reported increased stress. This could be due to isolation or the use of electronic reading devices.

The study emphasizes that it's not the use of screens themselves, but their context that affects teens' mental health. A balanced approach to leisure and study can help reduce stress risks and improve quality of life, the authors of the discovery said.