Excessive screen time is associated with unhealthy eating behaviors and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents
This narrative review found that excessive screen time in children and adolescents is consistently associated with unhealthy eating behaviors such as increased snacking, mindless eating, breakfast skipping, and higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. It is also linked to sleep disturbances, circadian dysregulation, and altered appetite-related hormones like leptin and ghrelin.
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Excessive screen time is associated with unhealthy eating behaviors and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Excessive screen time is associated with unhealthy eating behaviors and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents
This conclusion is most relevant to: Children and adolescents aged 0-18 years.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Screen Time, Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, and Associated Health Risks in Children: A Narrative Review. (Children (Basel, Switzerland), 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Excessive screen time increases exposure to digital food marketing and advertising
- ▸Screen use promotes sedentary behavior and mindless eating
- ▸Screen time disrupts sleep and circadian rhythms
- ▸Altered appetite hormones (leptin, ghrelin) and increased risk of obesity and metabolic issues
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Children and adolescents aged 0-18 years
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Most evidence is observational, limiting causal inference
- ▸Narrative review design may introduce selection bias and lacks quantitative synthesis
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of unhealthy eating behaviors are linked to screen time in children?▼
The review found associations with increased snacking, mindless eating, breakfast skipping, and higher consumption of ultra-processed and energy-dense foods.
Does screen time affect sleep in children?▼
Yes, high screen exposure was associated with sleep disturbances and circadian dysregulation, which may contribute to metabolic and psychological health risks.
What are the potential mechanisms linking screen time to obesity?▼
Mechanisms include increased sedentary behavior, disrupted sleep, altered appetite hormones (leptin and ghrelin), and exposure to food advertising that influences preferences and intake.
Is the evidence for these associations causal?▼
No, most evidence is observational, so causality cannot be confirmed. The authors call for more longitudinal and interventional studies.
References
- 1.Calcaterra V, Cena H, Marin L, Cavallo C, Taranto S, Conti MV, Patanè P, Guardamagna L, Minardi E, Bellingeri L, Silvestri D, Vandoni M, Zuccotti G. “Screen Time, Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, and Associated Health Risks in Children: A Narrative Review..” Children (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. PMID: 42509912 DOI: 10.3390/children13070887