Excessive Screen Time Linked To Health and Wellbeing Concerns In Children
Researchers highlight potential risks of prolonged social media, gaming and streaming
- Study links excessive screen use to wellbeing concerns.
- Social media, gaming and streaming highlighted.
- Researchers identify several physical health risks.
A study by researchers at the University of Calgary has linked excessive screen time among children and teenagers to a range of negative health and wellbeing outcomes.
The research suggests that spending too much time on activities such as social media, gaming and streaming may have effects on young people’s wellbeing comparable to some other significant childhood risk factors, including poverty, premature birth and poor parenting.
The study also associates excessive screen use with physical health concerns, including obesity, diabetes and heart problems.
Researchers say the findings highlight the potential impact of prolonged screen exposure on young people and the need to pay closer attention to how children and teenagers spend their time online.
However, the findings have drawn a cautious response from critics, who acknowledge that the results are significant but argue that screen time should not be viewed as the sole explanation for emotional distress or poor academic performance among teenagers.
They point out that young people’s wellbeing and educational outcomes are influenced by several factors, including family circumstances, socioeconomic conditions, school environments and individual experiences.
The study therefore adds to the growing discussion about children’s use of digital technology, while highlighting the importance of considering screen time alongside other factors that shape young people’s physical, emotional and academic development.
