Screen Time and Tics: What Parents Need to Know

7 min read

As a parent of a child with tics, you've probably wondered whether screens make things worse. The answer isn't as simple as "screens are bad."

What the Research Says

Studies show mixed results. Some research suggests excessive screen use correlates with increased tic severity, while other studies find no significant connection. This tells us the relationship likely depends on individual factors rather than screens being universally harmful.

Key insight: How and when screens are used matters more than total time. A child playing an educational game for 30 minutes has a different experience than one binge-watching for three hours.

The Suppression Release Effect

Many parents notice tics increase right after screen time ends. This might not mean screens caused more tics—children often suppress tics while focused on a screen, and those suppressed tics emerge afterward. Like holding your breath underwater, the "release" comes when the absorbing activity ends.

Different Types of Screen Activities

Video Games

Competitive, fast-paced games appear more likely to affect tics than slower, creative games. However, gaming also offers benefits—intense focus can provide relief from tic awareness, and social gaming connects children with peers.

Passive vs. Active

Mindlessly scrolling through short videos differs from actively engaging with educational content. Active screen use where children create or solve problems tends to be less problematic.

Finding the Right Balance

Observe Your Child

Track screen time alongside tic observations for a few weeks. Note not just total time but what activities, what times of day, and what patterns follow.

Quality Over Quantity

Rather than strict time limits, consider:

• Is the content engaging rather than just stimulating?
• Does your child seem calm or agitated during and after?
• Is screen time replacing sleep, exercise, or family connection?

Practical Tips

• Keep mornings and the hour before bed screen-free
• Give warnings before ending screen time—don't yank it away
• Watch together when possible
• Keep bedrooms and dinner tables device-free

The Sleep Connection

One clear negative effect: screens before bed. Blue light suppresses melatonin, and stimulating content keeps the brain activated. Poor sleep reliably worsens tics the next day. Protecting the hour before bed from screens often improves both sleep and next-day tics.

The Bottom Line

Do screens make tics worse? For some children, in some circumstances, yes. But moderate use doesn't doom your child. Focus on overall patterns, protect sleep, choose quality over quantity, and track what you observe. Your child lives in a digital world—helping them navigate it healthily is more valuable than fear-based restriction.