Could Too Much Screen Time Affect Children's Thinking?
Tech & Science
August 3, 2026

Could Too Much Screen Time Affect Children's Thinking?

130 words · ~1 min read
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B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:51

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Many parents worry that too much time on phones, tablets, and computers might hurt children's brains. But some scientists now say there is not enough clear proof that screen time alone causes serious problems for children.

A key reason is that Pete Etchells, a psychology professor from Bath Spa University, looked at many studies and found no strong evidence that screens always damage children's brains. He says the type of activity on the screen and how it is used are more important than simply counting hours.

Because of these findings, many scientists believe that screens are not always bad for children. They say using screens carefully, such as for learning or talking to friends, is the main advice. Experts still suggest children need enough sleep, exercise, and time with family.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
scientistsN/ˈsaɪəntɪsts/

People who study and learn about science

evidenceN/ˈevɪdəns/

Information that shows if something is true

activityN/ækˈtɪvɪti/

Something that people do or participate in

damageV/ˈdæmɪdʒ/

To cause harm or hurt something physically

suggestV/səˈdʒest/

To give advice or an idea to someone

exerciseN/ˈeksəsaɪz/

Physical activity to make your body healthy

Ready to learn these 6 words?

About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

9 questions
Question 1 of 9
1 / 9

What do many parents worry about regarding screen time?

Choose an answer to continue

Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.

Speaking Tasks

5 questions

Could Too Much Screen Time Affect Children's Thinking?

August 3, 2026~1 min read
Not sure? Take the level test →
B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:51

Follow spoken words in real time.

Many parents worry that too much time on phones, tablets, and computers might hurt children's brains. But some scientists now say there is not enough clear proof that screen time alone causes serious problems for children.

A key reason is that Pete Etchells, a psychology professor from Bath Spa University, looked at many studies and found no strong evidence that screens always damage children's brains. He says the type of activity on the screen and how it is used are more important than simply counting hours.

Because of these findings, many scientists believe that screens are not always bad for children. They say using screens carefully, such as for learning or talking to friends, is the main advice. Experts still suggest children need enough sleep, exercise, and time with family.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
scientistsN/ˈsaɪəntɪsts/

People who study and learn about science

evidenceN/ˈevɪdəns/

Information that shows if something is true

activityN/ækˈtɪvɪti/

Something that people do or participate in

damageV/ˈdæmɪdʒ/

To cause harm or hurt something physically

suggestV/səˈdʒest/

To give advice or an idea to someone

exerciseN/ˈeksəsaɪz/

Physical activity to make your body healthy

Ready to learn these 6 words?

About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

9 questions
Question 1 of 9
1 / 9

What do many parents worry about regarding screen time?

Choose an answer to continue

Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.

Speaking Tasks

5 questions