New study challenges long-held concussion recovery advice for teens

TechnologyHealth & Fitness
10 Jun 2026 • 7:45 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

New study challenges long-held concussion recovery advice for teens

  • A new study suggests that teenagers recovering from a concussion could experience a more rapid recovery by engaging with screens for over two hours a day.
  • Clocking up an average of 141 minutes daily on smartphones, gaming, watching television or using computers was linked to symptoms easing 35 per cent faster.
  • Optimal recovery was found among those spending between 120 and 140 minutes a day on screens, with symptoms disappearing more than twice as fast compared to those with less screen time.
  • This finding challenges previous limited studies that had indicated avoiding screens for the initial 48 hours post-concussion might accelerate recovery.
  • Researchers suggest that rather than complete avoidance, clinicians may consider recommending a balanced level of screen use to support concussion recovery.

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