Is doing homework on a phone harmful too?

Researchers at Beijing Normal University studied the link between adolescents' daily activities and their mental health. According to a study published in the journal *Scientific Reports*, the association between mental activities—such as doing homework or reading books—and mental health issues was 11 times stronger than the association linked to time spent in front of a screen.
The researchers analyzed data from thousands of British students. They examined the daily habits of 14-year-olds and assessed their mental well-being three years later. The results showed that, among adolescents with a healthy weight, higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of mental health issues.
However, for adolescents who were overweight or obese, light physical exercise did not significantly reduce stress. In their case, a decrease in mental strain was primarily linked to more vigorous exercise. The scientists explained this by noting that some adolescents may feel embarrassed about exercising in front of others, experience dissatisfaction with their physical appearance, or worry about negative reactions from society. Researchers suggest that the link between studying—such as doing homework or reading books—and mental health issues may stem not from the intellectual work itself, but from the pressure that accompanies it. Factors such as fear of exams, high expectations from parents, competition among classmates, and a lack of time for rest are likely to increase stress in adolescents.
For this reason, scientists emphasize that when assessing children's mental health, it is important to consider not only physical activity and screen time, but also the pressures related to their studies and the opportunities they have for rest.