Updated on: October 14, 2024
Published on: October 14, 2020
Author: Kentucky Counseling Center
Digital screens have become an integral part of everyday life for children and adults alike. For many of us who grew up before smartphones and tablets, screens started as a novelty. Over time, they evolved into essential tools we use for work, socializing, and entertainment. Yet for today’s generation of children, screens are present during crucial developmental years—making it more challenging to distinguish digital life from reality.
Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimate that children are getting roughly 7 hours of screen time per day. While technology can offer learning opportunities, excessive screen use is increasingly linked to psychological and developmental concerns, leaving parents in a difficult position—especially as schools and educational platforms push further into the digital realm. Below, we delve into the impact of screen time on children’s mental health and offer actionable tips for parents.
Screentime During Childhood Development
A Formative Period for the Brain
During childhood, the brain is remarkably malleable, making it both ideal for learning and vulnerable to external influences. Typically, children absorb language, social norms, and other developmental cues from caregivers, siblings, peers, and teachers. However, the omnipresence of devices often leads to what experts call “tunnel vision,” where kids tune out their surroundings to focus solely on a screen.
Think about a common scenario: you’re at a park, a grocery store, or a museum, and you see children immersed in smartphones or tablets. They’re missing out on real-world stimuli such as nature, social interactions, and even family conversations. While this might look like a simple generational shift, it carries deeper implications: children can lose valuable face-to-face interaction and develop fewer opportunities to practice language, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
How Do Screens Impact Education?
The Problem of One-Way Communication
For young children, developing communication skills is paramount. Excessive screen time, however, often lacks the vital back-and-forth interactions that build language proficiency and social understanding. Sure, children can learn songs, words, and phrases from digital content, but reciprocal language—the give-and-take of conversation—remains limited.
- Lack of Nonverbal Cues: Children miss out on reading facial expressions and body language, which are key components of social communication.
- Reduced Engaging Dialogue: Watching a video or using an app is mostly passive; kids aren’t prompted to respond in real-time or hear someone respond to them in a personalized way.
Even webcam-based interactions—like virtual classrooms or video calls—offer a limited scope compared to in-person exchanges, where nuances in tone, gestures, and expressions are more apparent.
The Psychological Effects of Too Much Screentime
Research Insights and Developmental Risks
It can be daunting to address mental health with children when it involves something as integral to their world as screen use. Yet, growing evidence indicates an urgent need for moderation. For instance, just two hours of daily screen time may negatively impact language and thinking test scores. In a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), children who reported seven or more hours of screentime during developmental ages showed thinning of the brain’s cortex—an area crucial for critical thinking and reasoning.
Additionally, the AAP has noted that children exceeding two hours of screen time per day may experience increased psychological problems, even if they have sufficient physical activity. Some common warning signs include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Excessive mood swings
- Tantrums
- Trouble sleeping
- Disorganized behavior
- Difficulty learning
- Poor short-term memory
While these symptoms don’t necessarily equate to a formal mental health disorder, they can exacerbate existing issues or contribute to developmental setbacks. If these behaviors persist, professional intervention—like therapy or adolescent counseling—may be beneficial.
The Impact on Sleep
Another critical way screens influence a child’s mental health is by disrupting healthy sleep patterns. Our bodies follow a natural circadian rhythm guided by light and darkness. The blue light emitted by most digital screens can mimic daylight, inhibiting the production of melatonin and making it harder to fall asleep. Poor sleep quality can, in turn, fuel a host of psychological challenges, from increased irritability to difficulty concentrating in class.
New Insight: A 2022 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that even an additional 30 minutes of screen exposure before bedtime can significantly delay the onset of sleep and reduce overall sleep duration in school-aged children.
Wrapping Up: Tips for Parents
Limiting or monitoring screen time isn’t always straightforward, especially as schoolwork, entertainment, and social activities increasingly require digital platforms. However, there are ways to encourage healthier habits:
- Co-Engage With Screens
Screen time itself isn’t inherently bad. Watching or engaging with your child can turn it into a shared, interactive experience. Discuss what’s happening on the screen, ask questions, and relate it to real-world contexts. - Set a Screen-Free Routine Before Bed
Avoid screen use an hour or two before bedtime. This helps regulate melatonin production and keeps the circadian rhythm on track. Consider implementing designated “offline” periods in the evening. - Model Healthy Behavior
Children often mimic adult actions. If they see parents constantly glued to devices, they may struggle to understand why they’re being restricted. Show balance by setting aside your own device regularly. - Balance On- and Offline Activities
Encourage children to spend time in nature, pursue physical activities, and socialize face-to-face. Helping them explore offline hobbies can broaden their interests and reduce overreliance on digital entertainment. - Stay Aware of Mental Health Indicators
Watch for signs of mood swings, irritability, or trouble sleeping—these can be key indicators that your child’s screen time might be taking a toll. Consider speaking with pediatricians, counselors, or mental health professionals if concerns arise.
Remember, technology isn’t going anywhere. Striking a balance between leveraging its benefits and safeguarding children’s mental health is key. When combined with adequate nutrition, sleep, and exercise, moderate screen time can still be a positive force rather than a detrimental one.
