Abstract:

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the infl uence of screen time and study time to academic performance of adolescents. Optimal screen and study time was tried to be found to achieve best grades at school and at matriculation scores.Material and Methods: 2104 students aged 11 to 13 from 13 different cities from Turkey enrolled to the study. By conducting a survey, the students’ grade-point average and matriculation scores (SBS examination) were compared in respect to the time they spent on screens (television, computer, cinema, mobile phone, video game console) and studying/home working at home. The variables that found to be correlated with academic performance were included in the multiple regression analysis. Results: Academic performance of adolescents was found to be decreased as their and their parents’ time spent in front of a television increased. The highest academic performance was achieved by students who used to study 2-4 hours a day, spending no more than an hour on a computer and going to the cinema at least once a month. Both matriculation scores and grade-point averages altered according to different cities. Boys had more screen time for computers. Conclusion: Adolescents should be informed of the possible risks and negative effects of excessive screen time on physical health and academic performance. Parents should be reminded of their duties as to setting examples towards television watching habits and encouraging their children towards spending appropriate time on study and going to the cinema at least once a month. With a study schedule of two to four hours a day, best academic performance can be achieved

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