11/24/2023 / / 12
TRENT Newspaper
THE IMPACT OF SCREEN TIME ON CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Children and their school work.
The Impact of Screen Time on Children's
Mental Health: A Call to Action
AUTHOR NAME
Dear readers,
In the digital age, screens have become an integral part of our lives and the
lives of our children. However, a recent study by Xuedi Li and colleagues2
has shed light on the potential impact of screen time on the mental health of
children and youth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic12. This
research is a wake-up call for parents, educators, and pediatricians alike,
emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to screen use.
The Findings
The study found that children's average daily screen time was around 4
hours1. Increased screen time was associated with a greater incidence of
internalizing behaviors in children, such as symptoms of depression and
anxiety12. Moreover, children who spent more time on screens and lived in
households with parents reporting higher stress levels had increased
internalizing behaviors1.
The Implications
So, why should we care? The implications of these findings are significant.
Extended screen time not only affects children's physical health but also
their mental well-being. It can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and
behavioral difficulties12. These issues, if not addressed, can have long-term
effects on a child's development and overall quality of life.
The Way Forward
As parents and caregivers, it's crucial to promote healthful screen use. Here
are some strategies:
1. Set Clear Boundaries: Limit the amount of time your child spends
on screens. Encourage other activities like reading, playing outdoors,
or engaging in creative pursuits.
2. Monitor Content: Not all screen time is created equal. Educational
content can be beneficial, but excessive use of social media or video
games might lead to negative outcomes2.
3. Set Clear Boundaries: Limit the amount of
time your child spends on screens. Encourage
other activities like reading, playing outdoors,
or engaging in creative pursuits.
4. Monitor Content: Not all screen time is
created equal. Educational content can be
beneficial, but excessive use of social media
or video games might lead to negative
outcomes2.
5. Family Time: Spend quality time with your
children away from screens. This can help
reduce stress levels in the household, which is
beneficial for everyone's mental health1.
6. Seek Professional Help: If you notice
changes in your child's behavior, don't hesitate
to seek help from a pediatrician or mental
health professional.
For educators, this research underscores the
importance of balancing online and offline learning
methods. While online tools have become essential
during the pandemic, we must ensure they are used in
a way that supports students' mental health.
In conclusion, while screens have become a necessary
part of our lives, it's crucial to use them wisely. By
taking proactive steps, we can help ensure the mental
well-being of our children in the digital age.
Remember, a balanced approach to screen use today
can lead to a healthier tomorrow for our children.
Source(s)
1. Effect of types of screen use on child mental health
examined
2. Media screen time use and mental health in school
aged children during ...
3. Screen Use and Mental Health Symptoms in
Canadian Children and Youth ...
4. Study Probes Connection Between Excessive
Screen Media Activity and ...
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