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Understanding ACEs and Problematic Screen Use in Adolescents

Understanding ACEs and Problematic Screen Use in Adolescents

Introduction

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have long been associated with various negative outcomes in adulthood, including mental health issues and addictive behaviors. A recent study, "Associations between adverse childhood experiences and early adolescent problematic screen use in the United States," sheds light on how ACEs influence problematic screen use among adolescents. This blog post aims to help practitioners understand these associations and encourage further research and intervention development.

The Study and Its Findings

The study analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, focusing on 9,673 adolescents aged 11-12 years. The research found that adolescents exposed to four or more ACEs had significantly higher odds of problematic video game and mobile phone use. Specifically, these adolescents were 3.1 times more likely to report problematic video game use and 1.6 times more likely to report problematic mobile phone use compared to peers with no ACEs.

Interestingly, while problematic social media use was initially associated with ACEs in unadjusted models, this association did not hold in adjusted models. This suggests that other factors may mediate the relationship between ACEs and social media use.

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners working with children, these findings highlight the importance of considering ACEs when addressing screen use behaviors. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights, it also opens the door for further research. Future studies could explore:

Conclusion

The association between ACEs and problematic screen use underscores the need for targeted interventions that address both trauma and digital habits. By understanding these relationships, practitioners can better support children in developing healthier relationships with technology.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Associations between adverse childhood experiences and early adolescent problematic screen use in the United States.


Citation: Raney, J. H., Al-shoaibi, A. A., Ganson, K. T., Testa, A., Jackson, D. B., Singh, G., Sajjad, O. M., & Nagata, J. M. (2023). Associations between adverse childhood experiences and early adolescent problematic screen use in the United States. BMC Public Health, 23, 1213. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16111-x
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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