What We Know About the Link Between Screen Time and Poor Mental Health
By Movieguide® Contributor
A new report from the CDC finds that half of American teens are spending at least four hours a day in front of a screen — and it’s affecting their mental health.
“Around 50% of American teens, ages 12 to 17, spend at least four hours daily in front of screens — whether on their smartphones, computers, or televisions,” Fox News reported, adding that “researchers are finding a connection between extended screen use and mental health concerns.”
The outlet continued, “The CDC study found that nearly 27% of teens who reported four or more hours of daily screen time also reported experiencing anxiety in the past two weeks. In comparison, only 12.3% of teens with less screen exposure experienced similar symptoms.”
The study also found that “nearly 27% of teens who reported four or more hours of daily screen time also reported experiencing anxiety in the past two weeks. In comparison, only 12.3% of teens with less screen exposure experienced similar symptoms.”
READ MORE: IS SCREEN TIME MAKING YOUR TEEN DEPRESSED?
Chaudhary called social media a “double-edged sword,” explaining that “while some might be able to find support and connection that helps them feel better as they are able to find communities that they otherwise may not have had access to — many end up feeling worse or just as bad.”
“The challenge for parents and children is how to balance it so we can reap the benefits without sacrificing our mental health,” she concluded.
While teens are the ones whose screen time is skyrocketing, studies show that young people wish they weren’t as addicted to their phones.
The Daily Mail reported on a study that found 52% of teens surveyed “want to break their addiction and reduce their screen time, but don’t know how.”
READ MORE: HERE’S HOW CUTTING SCREEN TIME IN HALF CHANGED ONE TEEN’S LIFE
