Screen time and children: what the study says and active alternatives in Timișoara

A useful response is not to eliminate screens altogether, but to create a family routine where phones and tablets do not take up all your free time. A walk, playing in the park, reading together, a board game or an active indoor activity can offer moments when children and adults do something together, without exaggerated promises or guilt.

What the study published in 2026 actually says

An umbrella review published on 28 September 2026 in JAMA Pediatrics brought together 23 meta-analyses, representing 2,817,252 children and adolescents aged 18 and under, from 64 countries. The authors found associations between greater screen exposure and poorer outcomes in overall academic performance, language skills and certain emotional, behavioural or peer difficulties. These associations do not demonstrate that screens caused these outcomes. No significant associations were identified separately for maths, science, reading or executive functions. The study does not say that all children are affected and did not test ANIMUS Arena.

Independent comments compiled by Science Media Centre highlight that much of the included data is cross-sectional, that the type and context of content matter, and that confounding factors may influence the relationships observed. Some estimates are based on few studies and remain uncertain. On 5 October, Digi24 covered the research in a news report; the scientific source above remains the main reference.

How to turn the information into a realistic family plan

Research can open a conversation; it does not need to become a rigid rule. Start with a simple observation: when do the longest sedentary periods occur, and what activity would the family be willing to try instead of one of them? Choosing is easier when the option is specific, nearby and suited to everyone's energy that day.

• Take a short walk and let your child choose the route or destination.
• Go to the park with a ball, a skipping rope or a simple challenge you invent together.
• Take turns reading from the same book and discuss your favourite character, without an educational goal.
• Choose an age-appropriate board game with a playing time short enough for that evening.
• Plan an active indoor activity for days when the weather is poor.

Not every moment needs to be educational, competitive or perfectly organised. Sometimes the practical value is simply that the family changes pace, gets off the sofa and spends time together.

ANIMUS Arena: interactive technology and movement in one place

ANIMUS Arena is an active, social indoor option for children aged 7 and over, teenagers and adults. It is not a screen-free experience: the LED floor is the very digital surface where zones, targets and rules appear. The practical difference is how people interact — participants move, react and communicate in the same arena, rather than each looking at a phone or tablet.

A standard session includes 40 minutes of play in the arena plus a briefing and accommodates between 1 and 8 players. Players receive access to the water dispenser at the venue. Sugar-free soft drinks are available at extra cost on request. The arena is at VOX Technology Park, Building B, 1st floor, Calea Torontalului 69, Timișoara. ANIMUS Arena is a leisure activity; it is not therapy or a remedy and does not promise academic or cognitive improvements. Prices and packages are published on their own page, and the safety rules are explained separately.

For families and school groups

For a family outing, check the ages of all participants, the available time slot and the group's energy levels. For classes, MAGIC SCHOOL — Școala Altfel and class outings — has dedicated terms and organises pupils into consecutive groups. The school groups page remains the up-to-date source for the format, eligibility and requesting a quote.

Choose your next active moment, not a perfect routine

A realistic change can start with a single outing chosen together. If your family wants an indoor experience with movement and group play, check opening hours and availability before setting off. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable, clean sports shoes. You do not need to take your shoes off.

Choose a family session