# Screen Time May Support Children's Cognitive Development A Finnish study reveals that screen use can enhance cognitive performance in children. - **Source:** [Slashdot](https://brifing.si/source/0f34d58e-1ccd-45a6-ab82-2de4065dc7ad) - **Published:** 2026-08-20 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/36c441c6-9a53-4fdd-a3e1-579556b5a579 ## Screen Time and Cognitive Performance A Finnish study found an unexpected link between children's screen use and cognitive performance. Accumulating more screen time during childhood was associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence. Researchers emphasize that screen time should not be viewed as entirely harmful. ## Active Thinking and Screen Use The study suggests that screen time can support cognitive development depending on what children do during screen use. Digital activities involving learning, creativity, and problem-solving may explain this association. Parents and teachers should encourage children to engage in such activities. ## Physical Activity and Cognitive Development The relationship between physical activity and cognitive development was more complex. In girls, light physical activity from childhood was linked to better working memory in adolescence. In boys, guided physical activity showed similar effects. ## Impact of Unsupervised Exercise An unexpected finding was that lower levels of unsupervised physical activity were associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence. This highlights the importance of the quality of physical activity. ## Research Methodology The study used devices to measure heart rate and movement. However, these devices cannot determine exactly what a person is doing during activity. This may explain why the relationship between physical activity and cognitive development remains unclear. ## Study Findings The findings indicate that screen time can support children's cognitive development. However, this does not mean unlimited screen time is beneficial. Balanced screen use that promotes active thinking alongside physical activity is recommended. ## Recommendations for Parents and Teachers Researchers suggest that parents and teachers should guide children toward screen activities that encourage active thinking. This includes learning, creativity, and problem-solving activities. ## Significance of the Study This study highlights the need to reevaluate the impact of screen time on children. The quality of screen time and its balance with physical activity are crucial for cognitive development. ## Sources covering this story - https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/26/08/19/2231240/new-study-challenges-common-assumptions-about-screen-time-for-kids?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._