‘Too much screen activity is bad for teenagers’ health’

Parents who are grateful that the use of computers and smartphones keeps children calm seem to be unaware of the potential harm of so much time spent in the virtual world, a new study shows.

A study in the International Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that screen addiction is taking a toll on children.

The study’s findings show that that prolonged use of electronic media can have significant negative effects on children’s behaviour, health, and school performance.

Findings also demonstrate that those children who watch an excessive amount of simulated violence, which is a common feature of many popular video games, can become immune to it, more inclined to act violently and less likely to behave empathetically.

The study, in conjunction with the Pew Research Center in the US, also found that teenagers often send 50 or more text messages a day, and those aged from 13 to 17 send , on average, 3,364 textsper month.

This is why Irish medical professionals should advise parents and teachers about the benefits of the control and use of digital media, according to a leading Irish eye specialist and the founder of the Opticalrooms clinics, which deal with the effects of overuse.

“While we all enjoy the many benefits and conveniences the digital world has brought, many would welcome clear direction on how we can protect our young, and guidelines to safe usage,” said Don Stack.

“Our bodies adapt to what we spend a large proportion of our time doing. The light emitted from these digital devices mimics daylight so closely that our bodies cannot determine day from night, thus throwing our body clock and sleep pattern our of line.

“This opens into a much broader topic, as poor sleep habits and patterns affect body function the following day, as well as energy levels and enthusiasm.

“The medical profession is rightly concerned with the obesity problem in our young population. I believe they need to consider this media use, and its potential effects, in their discussion. Depression is a growing concern again. There are many studies linking sleep patterns to depression.”

Mr Stack also said that overuse of screens is affecting children’s eyesight.

“We suspect long-term use of digital media, by our young, may also lead to retinal damage, over time, that is normally associated with elderly patients,” Mr Stack warned.

“The accumulative damage, over a lifetime, from light exposure, may well be rapidly accelerated by the intensity, proximity and duration of use of digital devices.”