The impact of excessive screentime on youth health

The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Youth Health

By Nco Dube

In today’s fast-paced digital world, screen time has become an integral part of our daily lives. From smartphones and tablets to computers and televisions, screens dominate our attention and influence our behaviours. While technology offers numerous benefits, the excessive use of screens has raised significant concerns about its impact on health, cognitive development, and social interactions.

Understanding Screen Time

According to a report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50.4% of teenagers in the United States reported having four hours or more of daily screen time between July 2021 and December 2023. Alarmingly, this trend is mirrored in South Africa, where increased access to technology has led to similar patterns among youths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines recommending that children aged 2 to 5 years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. For younger children under 2 years, screen time should be avoided altogether. Despite these recommendations, many children exceed these limits significantly.

Health Impacts of Excessive Screen Time

One of the most pressing concerns regarding excessive screen time is its impact on physical health. A study published in the journal Pediatrics indicated that children who spend more than two hours a day in front of screens are more likely to experience a range of health issues. These include obesity due to sedentary behaviour, sleep disturbances caused by blue light exposure, and increased risk factors for chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.

In South Africa, where childhood obesity is a growing concern, the link between screen time and weight gain cannot be ignored. Data shows a strong association between screen time and obesity in children aged 5 to 17, primarily due to the sedentary nature of viewing screens. A meta-analysis by Fang K et al. found that more than two hours of daily screen time is positively associated with obesity.

Furthermore, excessive screen time has been linked to sleep deprivation. Blue light emitted from screens interferes with melatonin production, disrupting the body’s circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to poor sleep quality and insomnia among both children and adults. In fact, studies indicate that limiting social media use to a maximum of 30 minutes each day has been associated with reduced depression and improved well-being.

Cognitive Effects on Children and Adults

The cognitive effects of excessive screen time are particularly concerning for children. Research indicates that children exposed to high levels of screen time show delays in language development and difficulties in emotional comprehension. A study involving over 2,322 Canadian preschool-age children found that those who watched more than two hours of screen time daily exhibited significantly increased behaviour problems.

Moreover, adults are not immune to the cognitive decline associated with excessive screen use. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure can lead to a thinner cerebral cortex—a critical area for decision-making and problem-solving abilities. This thinning affects memory retention and cognitive function over time.

In South Africa, where educational outcomes are already under scrutiny, the implications of screen time on academic performance cannot be overlooked. While some studies suggest there is no significant correlation between screen time and academic performance, it is essential to consider how distraction from screens can hinder learning processes.

Social and Behavioural Consequences

Excessive screen time can also lead to detrimental social consequences. As individuals become more engrossed in their devices, face-to-face interactions diminish. This shift towards digital communication can result in social isolation, a phenomenon increasingly observed among teenagers today.

In South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape, where community ties are traditionally strong, this isolation poses a significant threat to social cohesion. The reliance on screens for social interaction can hinder the development of essential social skills necessary for navigating real-world relationships.

Furthermore, exposure to violent content through screens can lead to aggressive behaviours in children. Studies have shown that children who engage with violent media are more likely to exhibit externalising behaviours such as aggression and defiance.

The South African Context

In South Africa, the challenges posed by excessive screen time are compounded by socio-economic factors. Many families lack access to resources that promote healthy lifestyles, such as outdoor play spaces or educational alternatives, leading to increased reliance on screens for entertainment and engagement.

According to the South African Medical Research Council, nearly 30% of South African children are classified as overweight or obese, a statistic that highlights the urgent need for intervention strategies addressing lifestyle choices influenced by technology use.

Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a marked increase in digital media consumption across all age groups as schools shifted to online learning platforms. While this transition was necessary for continuity in education, it inadvertently contributed to increased screen exposure among students who were already at risk for developing unhealthy habits.

Strategies for Managing Screen Time

To mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to implement effective management strategies:

Set Clear Limits: Establishing boundaries around daily screen use is essential. Experts recommend limiting recreational screen time for children aged 2-5 years to no more than one hour per day.

Encourage Alternative Activities: Promote outdoor play and hobbies that do not involve screens. Engaging in physical activities not only benefits physical health but also fosters social interactions.

Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate areas in the home where screens are not allowed—such as bedrooms during bedtime—to encourage healthier sleep habits.

Establish Family Time: Set specific times for family activities that do not involve screens, such as board games or outdoor outings, to strengthen family bonds.

Utilise Technology Wisely: Encourage educational content over passive consumption when screens are used. Opting for interactive learning apps can enhance cognitive development while still allowing for some screen engagement.

Promote Awareness: Educate both parents and children about the potential dangers associated with excessive screen use through workshops or community programmes.

Monitor Content Consumption: Parents should actively engage with their children’s media consumption by discussing what they watch or play on their devices.

Lead by Example: Adults should model healthy tech habits by reducing their own screen time and prioritising face-to-face interactions with family members.

Conclusion

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, it is essential to recognise the potential pitfalls associated with excessive screen time, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and adolescents. While technology undoubtedly offers numerous benefits, from educational resources to enhanced connectivity, it is imperative that we remain vigilant about its adverse effects on health, cognitive development, and social interactions.

In South Africa, where socio-economic challenges further exacerbate these issues, proactive measures must be taken at both individual and community levels to promote healthier lifestyles amidst rising digital engagement. By implementing effective strategies for managing screen time and fostering open discussions about its impact on our lives, we can work towards creating a balanced approach that embraces technology while safeguarding our well-being.

The statistics are clear: excessive screen time poses significant risks that cannot be ignored any longer. As parents, educators, and community members come together to address these challenges head-on, we can pave the way for healthier future generations equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

(Dube is a political economist, businessman, and social commentator on Ukhozi FM. His views are not affiliated with the Sunday Tribune, Independent Media or IOL)