Can Excess Screen Time Affect Mental Health? What Experts Say

While technology may have several benefits, like everything else, excessive screen time has side effects that may increase your risk of many chronic illnesses. Get to know how excess screen time can affect you.

From starting our day by checking our phones to going back to sleep at night while scrolling our feed, screen time has become an unavoidable part of our lives.

While technology may have several benefits, like everything else, excessive screen time has side effects that may increase your risk of many chronic illnesses.

Excess Screen Time Risks

Many studies conducted by scientists across the globe have proven that excessive screen usage can lead to certain health conditions.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), screen time has been found to link with problems like social-emotional development, obesity, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. The US health agency states, "It can impair emotional comprehension, promote aggressive behaviour, and hinder social and emotional competence."

A study presented by the Frontiers also found that the more people spend time on the phone talking, it triggers the anxiety levels in those individuals. It explains, "The relationship between some types of screens, such as talking on the phone and anxiety, appears to follow a dose-response pattern."

Impact On Children And Adolescents

A 2023 study shows that screen time can have both positive and negative effects on child development. It proves that while screen time can enhance education and learning, excessive screen time may disrupt executive functioning, sensorimotor development, and academic outcomes.

For adolescents, the risks appear even greater. Studies found that individuals who spend more than five hours per day on screens are 70% more likely to have suicidal actions or thoughts when compared to those who spend less than an hour a day.

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much

The average daily screen time varies by age group. Here is a recommendation outlined by experts:

• Aes 0-18 months: 0 hours (except for video chats with family)
• Ages 18 months-2 years: Less than 1 hour per day of high-quality content
• Ages 2-5 years: Less than 1 hour per weekday and less than 3 hours on weekend days
• Ages 6 years and above: Up to 2 hours of recreational screen time per day. For working professionals, experts suggest 30-60 minutes breaks in between.

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