More screen time isn’t always bad for kids’ brains. It may even have some surprising benefits, according to a new study from Finland.Researchers followed 260 children for eight years, tracking their physical activity, sedentary behavior, and screen time from childhood through adolescence.They found that more screen time over those years was associated with better cognitive processing at an average age of nearly 16.The bottom line, according to one investigator, “We should not regard screen time solely as harmful.” He says what kids are doing on their screens may be key.He says parents and teachers should encourage screen activities that promote active thinking, problem-solving, creativity and learning.The findings around physical activity were more complicated.Some types were linked to better working memory, but overall activity measured by tracking devices showed no connection to cognitive processing.While more research is needed, the authors say the goal is finding the right balance of physical activity and screen time to support active thinking.Source: Pediatric Exercise ScienceAuthor Affiliations: University of Jyväskylä, University of Eastern Finland,Helsinki Sports and Exercise Medicine Clinic,University of Exeter, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine .Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter