The Effect of Screen Time On Teens Mental Health
How will Screen Time Effect Your Teen's Mental Health?
Teenagers today could probably be known as the “iPhone generation”. They never knew a world without technology at their fingertips, and they’ve grown up with screens and digital devices at every turn. So, smartphones, tablets, and computer screens are part of everyday life for most teenagers.
Common Mental Health Concerns
It’s estimated that teenagers spend over seven hours looking at their phones each day. Whether they’re scrolling through Instagram, creating TikToks, or chatting on WhatsApp, it’s easy for teenagers to get lost in the social aspect of being on their phones. Of course, phones and tablets are also used for entertainment, like watching videos and playing games. The options are endless, which makes it easy to waste hours without really thinking about it.
That connection can lead to things like peer pressure, bullying, or even just the desire to “fit in” on different social media platforms. Your teen might feel as though they have to constantly be plugged in just to keep up with their friends.
Unfortunately, that can take a toll on their
mental health. One study found that teens who spend at least three or four
hours a day looking at a screen have an increased risk of depression, thoughts of
self-harm, and even suicide. Another study found that young people who spend at
least seven hours in front of a screen each day are more likely to officially
be diagnosed with depression or anxiety. It also
found that the less screen time a teen had, the better their overall wellbeing.
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Become fatigued
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Have trouble concentrating
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Isolating themselves
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Losing interest in things they
love
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Have lower test scores
Don’t Overlook the Physical Issues
In addition to mental health concerns, spending too much time in front of screens can lead to physical problems, too. For starters, starting at a screen all day can wreak havoc on your eyes. When a teenager spends too long looking at a screen, they can strain their eyes because the constant movement makes it harder to focus. The light from the screen can also cause the eyes to become tired and lead to vision issues.
Some of the common signs include:
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Squinting
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Head tilting
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Poor hand-eye coordination
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Rubbing their eyes
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Headaches
How to Talk to Your Teen About Screen Time
As a parent of a teenager, you probably
already know it’s not always easy to talk to them – especially about things
they don’t want to give up. But, knowing how screen time can impact them, it’s
important to set boundaries. That’s especially true if your teen is spending
most of their time at home.
Create a schedule that works for everyone, allowing them to use their electronic devices during certain hours of the day and only for a set amount of time. You might get some pushback at first. But, creating a schedule is a great way to be fair. Eventually, your teen will look forward to those times when they have their devices and will know how to handle it when each time is over.
To promote less screen time, encourage yourteen to try other things. What are their other interests and hobbies? Or, what’s something you think would love if they tried it? If they have a passion for art, encourage them to create their own art. Do they love music? Suggest an instrument. Maybe they have gotten into running or strength training. Why not encourage a sport? When your teen really discovers their passion, they’ll be less enamored with their screens. As a result, they can be mentally and physically healthier, and you can take comfort in knowing they aren’t depending on a digital device to find contentment.
