[ad_1]
October 08, 2024 04:13 PM IST
Excessive screen time has shocking consequences for the mental health of young children, leading to depression in 9 and 10 year olds.
In the digital age, parents often resort to handing over their digital gadgets to their children to calm their tantrums, which perhaps inadvertently contributes to deteriorating their mental health and paves the way for serious mental illness. iPad kid is a term used to describe children born after 2010 who are constantly on their phones and throw tantrums when their digital gadgets are taken away.
A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco highlights the relationship between screen time and mental health in young children. Screen time has been linked to mental health problems in children aged 9 and 10.
Also read: New research shows that reducing screen time can significantly improve your child’s mental health in just 2 weeks
Screen time’s connection to mental illness
The long-term study tracked more than 9,500 children across the country over a two-year period. It found that excess screen time increased the risk of serious symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention and even aggression. Researchers highlighted the worrying trend of the new generation to spend more time on screens, which is replacing physical play, socializing and other activities that help reduce anxiety and stress. Digital behaviors such as texting, chatting and video calling were seen to have the strongest association with depressive symptoms.
Also read: Is your phone a third factor in your relationship? Here’s how to keep your relationship strong in the smartphone age
Increase in mental health problems in the last decade
The study highlights the worrying increase in digital consumption among young children, which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers reported that 42% of high school students experienced a decline in mental health with persistent feelings of sadness, a significant increase of 50% since 2011.
The study also revealed an alarming trend in the average screen time of young children. Tweens ages 8 to 12 consume an average of 5.5 hours of non-educational digital content per day, while teenagers consume an average of 8.5 hours. Researchers emphasize the important role of parents in regulating digital consumption and promoting healthy relationships with technology; That which is neither excessive nor all-consuming.
Also read: 7 ways to get rid of smartphone addiction in children
Catch every big hit,…
See more
[ad_2]
