Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have found that moderate screen time may be more effective in concussion recovery than no screen time at all. In a study published today, British Journal of Sports MedicineResearchers found that looking at a screen for about 141 minutes each day for the first three days after a concussion led to a faster recovery.
“These findings support that a moderate amount of screen time, not too little, not too much, may aid concussion recovery,” said lead author Ginger Yang, Ph.D., MPH, principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Abigail Wexner Institute. “We found that a median of 141 minutes of daily screen time was associated with 35% faster recovery compared to 260 minutes of daily screen time. Youth who spend more than four hours a day on screens or less than two hours a day may be at risk for slower resolution of concussion symptoms.”
This new study, conducted by experts from the National Center for Child Injury Research and Policy and the Division of Sports Medicine, evaluated screen time and type during the first week after a concussion and investigated the association between youth screen time (duration and type) and concussion recovery.
While some studies on pediatric concussion have relied on self-reported screen time, this study used a wearable device to objectively measure out-of-school screen time in minutes per day. For adolescents aged 11 to 17 with a doctor-diagnosed concussion, screen time usage during the first week after injury was categorized into smartphones, television, computers/tablets, and games.
The type of screen time was also important. Using a smartphone or TV for about 2 hours per day was associated with faster recovery, whereas using a computer/tablet or playing games was not significantly associated with faster symptom resolution.
This study showed that youth with concussions may benefit from some use of smartphones and television in the days following a concussion, rather than avoiding screen time completely or using screens too much. Although clinical trials are needed to continue moving forward, this study represents a potential development in concussion treatment practice, contrary to previous guidance that recommended avoiding screening altogether. ”
Dr. Thomas Pommering, director of sports medicine at Nationwide Children’s and co-author of the study
This study has several important clinical implications.
- During the first week after a concussion, a moderate amount of screen time, not too much, not too little, can help speed recovery.
- Pediatricians may consider recommending a balanced level of screen time for adolescents immediately following a concussion.
- Different types of screen activity may have different effects on recovery. Adolescents with concussions may benefit from monitoring both the amount and type of screen use post-injury, with the support of wearable technology to aid recovery.
- Clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal screen time and specific types of screen activity that support concussion recovery in adolescents.
Families should work with their child’s care team to create an individualized care plan tailored to injury severity, symptom progression, and recovery milestones, and adjustments to be made during recovery.
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Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Reference magazines:
design. , Others. (2026). Duration and type of postconcussion screen time and association with symptom resolution in adolescents aged 11 to 17 years. British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110310. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2026/06/04/bjsports-2025-110310
