The digital age has brought with it a lot of positives, but one of the negative effects is the increased risk of mental health issues like depression. It is not surprising that too much screen time causes mental health issues, but recent studies have shown a link between screen time and depression in kids.
Why Is Too Much Screen Time Harmful for Kids and Adults?
Research shows that children who spend more than two hours in front of a screen are at an increased risk of developing negative effects like depression by age 14. There are many factors that can lead to this, like watching TV or playing video games. This exposes them to blue light which negatively affects moods and sleep cycles.
The World Health Organization says sedentary screen time is not recommended for children under 24 months. This includes watching T, videos, and playing computer games. For children over 2 years, sedentary screen time should not be more than 1 hour. Reading and storytelling are great substitutes for screen time when sedentary.
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Board certified physician, James Lindberg, MD, is in favor of limiting screen time for children of all ages and encourages more physical activity. Dr. Lindberg earned his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine and completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the UCI Medical Center. Since spending more time on screens can negatively affect attention spans, communication skills and interpersonal relationships, he teaches his patients to practice mindfulness when introducing any type of TV or video time to children.
How We Can Help
For more personalized guidance on screen time and mental health, schedule a consultation with your Hoag Concierge physician. We offer a wide variety of comprehensive health screenings and testing that can help diagnose depression and other conditions related to too much screen time. Start your path to wellness today! Call us at 949-629-2600 or click here to schedule an appointment.
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