One new study finds that time spent on screens is linked to not-so-great shifts in brain connectivity, while reading is linked to more beneficial changes. The researchers, from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, had families rate how much time their kids spent on screens (smartphones, tablets, computers, and TV) and how much time they spent reading actual books. Another recent study found that the brain chemistry of kids who fell into the category of smartphone or Internet addiction was different from that of non-addicted kids. Researcher Jean Twenge’s famous work has shown strong links between time spent on screens and depression and suicidality in teens. Below are some more of the effects that too much screen time seems to have on the developing body and brain.

Source: Forbes April 16, 2018 15:22 UTC