ArticleFrontiers in public health2026
The association between adolescents' recreational screen exposure and academic performance and its mediating mechanisms.
Article in Frontiers in public health, 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
Research background: With the widespread use of digital media, adolescents' screen time has increased significantly. The relationship between screen time and academic performance has become a research focus in education and public health. However, existing findings are inconsistent, and mechanism-based studies focusing on Chinese adolescents-who experience high academic pressure-are scarce. Grounded in cognitive load and self-regulation theories, this study explores the relationship between recreational screen exposure and academic performance among Chinese adolescents and examines its underlying mechanisms, providing empirical evidence for screen use management. Methods: A total of 175 middle school students from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), conducted between June 2023 and December 2025, were selected. Multiple linear regression analysis investigated the association between recreational screen exposure and academic performance. Heterogeneity of screen exposure types was analyzed using Results: Screen time was significantly negatively associated with Chinese (β = -0.029, Conclusion: Recreational screen exposure has a robust negative effect on academic performance, with online gaming posing a significantly greater risk than television use. Screen exposure primarily impairs academic performance indirectly by disrupting sleep, increasing cognitive load, and reducing emotional regulation. This study provides localized evidence for the refined management of adolescents' digital behaviors.
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