Is Screen Time Making Our Kids Unhappy?
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Health Tip of the WeekPublished on
Health Tip of the Week New research about the impact screens and screen time has on the mental health of our youth is decidedly mixed, says Jason A. Lewis, PhD, Psychologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
While the rapid adoption of smartphone technology had been previously linked to steep rises in the rates of teen depression, the COVID-19 pandemic and dramatic increase in online learning has made the picture more nuanced.
“The way youth are interacting with screens has changed,” Dr. Lewis says. “We’ve learned not all screen time is created equally and that more screen time is not always bad for mental health.”
Dr. Lewis notes there is marked differences in the types of screen time – and how much of each is recommended for youth.
“More is better for educational screen time,” Dr. Lewis says. “This type of digital interaction is generally more structured, with a common goal – like research for a class – and includes collegiality between the participants.”
Setting healthy limits on screen time while children are still young can have long-term benefits to youth and their families.
Consider these recommendations:
Most screen time activities – when done in moderation – are not associated with declines in well-being. However, if your child’s screen time is disrupting their normal activities, affecting their academics or social functioning, if they are pulling away from friends or isolating themselves, you should talk to your child’s pediatrician immediately.
Screen addiction and mental health issues are real and can have long-term consequences. Your child’s pediatrician can help refer you to a mental health professional skilled in working with children and teens with screen addictions.
Jason A. Lewis, PhD, is a psychologist and Section Director of Mood, Anxiety and Trauma Disorders in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Contributed by: Jason A. Lewis, PhD
Categories: Health Tip of the Week
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