ArticleInternational journal of epidemiology2026
Exploring genetic confounding of the associations between screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescence and early adulthood.
Article in International journal of epidemiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundDigital devices have become a major aspect of children's lives. Associations between screen time and mental health have been observed, but the causality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between screen time and later depressive symptoms, and to test the robustness of these associations when accounting for genetic confounding.
methodsThis study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children-a prospective cohort of children born between 1991 and 1992 in the UK. Different forms of screen time and depressive symptoms at ages 16, 22, and 26 years were assessed through self-completion questionnaires. The average daily screen time was calculated. Depressive symptoms were measured by using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ). Polygenic scores (PGSs) for depression were calculated. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between standardized screen time at ages 16, 22, and 26 years, and standardized depressive symptoms at age 26 years, adjusting for sociodemographic confounders and PGSs. Genetic sensitivity analysis (Gsens) was used to test for genetic confounding in these associations.
resultsA total of 3003 participants were included in the analysis. Some, but not all, forms of screen time were associated with higher SMFQ scores, e.g. time spent using a phone, tablet, or e-book at age 22 years [β: 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07, 0.14 for weekdays; β: 0.08, 95% CI 0.04, 0.11 for weekends] and television time at age 26 years (β: 0.10, 95% CI 0.06, 0.14 for weekdays; β: 0.09, 95% CI 0.06, 0.13 for weekends). These associations persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic confounders and PGSs, but were attenuated in the Gsens (β = 0.03, 95% CI -0.01, 0.07 for the association with time spent using a phone, tablet, or e-book at age 22 years on weekends; β = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.10 for television time at age 26 years on weekends).
conclusionFor some measures of screen time, there were no associations with depressive symptoms. Where associations were seen, they were attenuated in the Gsens, implying that genetic confounding is present in the relationship between screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescents and young adults.
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