Addressing the Rise of Screen Time: Impacts on Child and Adolescent Health.

Jennifer Kohler

doi:DOI:10.35841/aajcah-8.6.241

Short Communication - Journal of Child and Adolescent Health (2024) Volume 8, Issue 6

Addressing the Rise of Screen Time: Impacts on Child and Adolescent Health.

Article type: Short Communication

Home Page URL: https://www.alliedacademies.org/journal-child-adolescent-health/

Journal short name: J. Paediatr. Child Health

Volume: 8

Issue: 6

PDF No: 241

Citation: Kohler J. Addressing the Rise of Screen Time: Impacts on Child and Adolescent Health. J. Paediatr. Child Health. 8(6): 241

^*Correspondence to: Jennifer Kohler, Department of Biomedicine and prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, E-mail: kohler.j78@uniroma2.it

Received: 22-Nov-2024, Manuscript No. AAJCAH-24-158879; Editor assigned: 26-Nov-2024, PreQC No. AAJCAH-24-158879(PQ); Reviewed: 09-Dec-2024, QC No. AAJCAH-24-158879; Revised: 15-Dec-2024, Manuscript No: AAJCAH-24-158879(R); Published: 22-Dec-2024, DOI:10.35841/aajcah-8.6.241

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Jennifer Kohler*

Department of Biomedicine and prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

Introduction

The rise in screen time has become one of the most pervasive and significant changes in the lives of children and adolescents in recent decades. With the increasing availability of smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions, children are spending more time than ever in front of screens. While technology offers various educational and social benefits, the consequences of excessive screen time on young people’s physical, emotional, and cognitive health cannot be overlooked. This perspective article aims to examine the impact of screen time on the health of children and adolescents and offer practical strategies to mitigate its adverse effects.

The Scope of the Problem

According to recent studies, children aged 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours per day using screens, primarily for entertainment purposes. This staggering statistic highlights a shift away from physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and outdoor play. As screen time continues to increase, concerns about its implications on child and adolescent health are mounting. Issues such as sedentary behavior, sleep disturbances, mental health problems, and impaired cognitive development are just a few of the negative effects linked to prolonged exposure to screens.

Physical health consequences

Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyles: One of the most notable concerns related to increased screen time is its association with physical inactivity. As children and adolescents spend more time on screens, they are engaging in less physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions in many countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that obesity rates have tripled since 1975, with screen time playing a significant role in this trend.

Impact: Prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity are linked to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and poor bone health. Screen time often displaces time spent engaging in sports or other physical activities that promote overall well-being.

Poor Posture and Eye Strain: Excessive screen time can lead to postural problems, such as back and neck pain, as children and adolescents tend to slouch or sit in awkward positions while using devices. Additionally, the blue light emitted by screens can cause eye strain, leading to discomfort, headaches, and potential long-term vision issues, a phenomenon often referred to as "digital eye strain" or "computer vision syndrome."

Impact: These physical symptoms can affect overall health and comfort, potentially leading to chronic pain and vision problems later in life.

Mental health consequences

Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression: Emerging research suggests a link between increased screen time, particularly social media use, and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of online comparisons, cyberbullying, and the constant need for validation through likes and comments. This constant exposure to social media has been associated with feelings of loneliness and isolation, despite being more connected online.

Impact: Mental health problems in adolescents are on the rise, and excessive screen time—especially on social media platforms—may exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and stress. The addictive nature of screens can also disrupt sleep patterns, further worsening mood and mental health.

Sleep Disruption: One of the most concerning impacts of excessive screen time is its effect on sleep. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This disruption can lead to difficulties falling asleep and poor-quality sleep, which is essential for the development and well-being of young people.

Impact: Chronic sleep deprivation can affect mood regulation, cognitive function, academic performance, and overall health. Teens, who require 8–10 hours of sleep per night, are particularly at risk of sleep deprivation due to late-night screen use.

Cognitive and behavioral consequences

Reduced Academic Performance: Excessive screen time can also hinder academic success. Time spent on screens for non-educational purposes, such as gaming or social media, reduces time spent on homework, reading, and other academic activities. Moreover, the distractions caused by notifications and apps can impair concentration and reduce productivity.

Impact: Studies have shown that children and adolescents who spend more time on screens tend to have lower grades and poorer performance on cognitive tasks. The constant switching between tasks—such as checking social media while studying—can reduce attention span and learning efficiency.

Impaired Social Skills: While digital platforms provide a venue for communication, they often replace face-to-face interactions, which are essential for the development of social and emotional skills. Children and adolescents who spend excessive time on screens may struggle with reading non-verbal cues, managing real-world conflicts, or building meaningful relationships.

Impact: Reduced in-person social interactions may contribute to difficulties in developing empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. These deficits can have long-term effects on personal and professional relationships in adulthood.

Mitigating the Impact: Practical Strategies

While screen time is unlikely to disappear, it is essential to implement strategies to reduce its negative impacts on health. Here are several practical steps for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to promote healthier screen habits:

Set Screen Time Limits: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day for children aged 2 to 18. Encouraging screen-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime, can also help mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen use.
Encourage Physical Activity: Balancing screen time with physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Parents and educators should encourage outdoor play, sports, and other activities that get children moving. Families can engage in activities like hiking, biking, or playing sports together to promote both health and connection.
Foster Digital Literacy and Mindfulness: Teaching children and adolescents to use technology mindfully can help mitigate some of the negative impacts. Educating young people about healthy screen habits, including the importance of taking regular breaks, managing social media use, and recognizing the signs of digital addiction, can empower them to make responsible choices.
Model Healthy Habits: Adults can set a positive example by managing their own screen time and prioritizing real-world interactions. Family activities like board games, outdoor excursions, or tech-free time can encourage more meaningful connections and reduce screen reliance.

Conclusion

The rise of screen time presents both opportunities and challenges in the modern world. While technology offers numerous benefits, its overuse is contributing to a range of health issues among children and adolescents. By understanding the risks and adopting strategies to mitigate these impacts, parents, educators, and healthcare providers can ensure that young people benefit from technology without sacrificing their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Fostering a balanced approach to screen use will help children and adolescents thrive in an increasingly digital world while safeguarding their health for the future.