Media and technology use predicts ill-being among children, preteens and teenagers independent of the negative health impacts of exercise and eating habits.

•A path model from technology use through exercise and eating habits to ill-being was tested.•Unhealthy eating predicted ill-being for children and preteens.•Reduced physical activity predicted ill-being for preteens and teens.•More technology use predicted ill-being after factoring out junk food and exercise for all ages.