Excessive screen time has become an integral part of our daily lives, but its impact on youth health is a growing concern. Studies show that excessive screen time can lead to obesity, sleep disturbances, and increased risk factors for chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.
In South Africa, where childhood obesity is on the rise, the link between screen time and weight gain cannot be ignored. Data shows a strong association between screen time and obesity in children aged 5 to 17, primarily due to sedentary behaviour.
Excessive screen time has also been linked to sleep deprivation, with blue light emitted from screens interfering with melatonin production. This disruption can lead to poor sleep quality and insomnia among both children and adults.
Furthermore, excessive screen time can affect cognitive development in children, leading to delays in language development and difficulties in emotional comprehension. Adults are not immune to the cognitive decline associated with excessive screen use, which can lead to a thinner cerebral cortex.
Excessive screen time can also have detrimental social consequences, such as social isolation, decreased face-to-face interactions, and exposure to violent content that can lead to aggressive behaviours in children.
To mitigate these negative effects, parents and caregivers must implement effective management strategies. These include setting clear limits on daily screen use, encouraging alternative activities like outdoor play, creating screen-free zones, establishing family time, utilizing technology wisely, promoting awareness, monitoring content consumption, and leading by example.
By recognizing the potential pitfalls associated with excessive screen time and implementing proactive measures, we can work towards creating a balanced approach that embraces technology while safeguarding our well-being. It is essential to educate both parents and children about the potential dangers of excessive screen use through workshops or community programmes.
Source: https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/opinion/the-impact-of-excessive-screentime-on-youth-health-d732d07b-4c62-4db1-841e-3a81b76edf45