A study published in the journal Brain & Behavior has found a link between screen time, sleep quality, and adolescents’ views on healthy lifestyles. The survey included 700 high school students from two schools in the Black Sea region of Turkey.

The researchers found that teens who spent more time on screens — including smartphones, tablets, and computers — were more likely to experience poor sleep quality and were less likely to view healthy habits such as proper nutrition and physical activity as important.

In this study, screen time acted as a kind of mediator: poor sleep contributed to increased screen use, which in turn negatively influenced teenagers’ beliefs about health and lifestyle.

The authors recommended measures to reduce screen time, increase social interaction, and promote alternative leisure activities to help adolescents sleep better and adopt healthier lifestyles.

These findings align with other scientific research. According to a major report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, simply limiting screen time is no longer sufficient to protect the mental health of children and adolescents.

Experts emphasize the importance of considering not only the quantity but also the quality of digital engagement, as well as the need for open discussions about online experiences between adults and children.

Previous studies have also noted links between screen time and reduced attention in children and teenagers, as well as effects on sleep and academic performance. For example, one analysis showed that strict limits on gadget use in the evening can increase sleep duration and improve school grades.