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Science How long can children spend a maximum of time in front of the screen?
Most parents are aware of the following problem: their child is sitting on the computer or on their smartphone every day, and the request to take a break or reduce their use meets with bitter resistance. Researchers are now investigating whether the long time in front of the screen can really lead to negative health effects.
The scientists of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have been recommending for years that children and teens should spend a maximum of two hours a day in front of the screen. Increased use could lead to obesity, sleep deprivation and depression. The physicians of Stetson University in Florida published the results of their current study on this topic in the journal "Psychiatry Quarterly".
Children and young people spend more and more time in front of the screen of smartphones and tablets. Does this increased use lead to health problems and how much time are children allowed to spend in front of the screen? (Image: Natallia Vintsik / fotolia.com) Smartphones and tablets lead to discussions among many families
The time spent in front of the screen by children and teenagers can have negative effects on the psyche and overall health, some physicians suspect. In particular, tablets and smartphones that can be used under blankets have become a problem in many families. But how much time should children spend in front of the screen??
Physicians are looking for the effects of high screen time
The current study analyzed data from 6,089 adolescents. Recorded and examined were the time in front of the screen, sleep times, school grades, the eating habits of the family, depression and physical activity, explain the researchers. Even so-called risky behavior of teens (brawling, firearms, unprotected sex, alcohol or drug use) seemed to be associated with an increased time in front of the screen.
No major hazard is detected by up to six hours a day in front of screens
The researchers found during the investigation that up to six hours a day in front of a screen lead to no serious negative effects. The original recommendation of the AAP (maximum two hours of screen time) was therefore rightly repealed for over-5s, explains author Christopher J. Ferguson. A time in front of the screen of up to about six hours is quite normal in today's time and with no or very negligible negative effects connected. Screens are involved in many aspects of our lives and the whole concept of so-called screen time has changed dramatically in the last twenty years, the expert adds.
Facts count and not guesses
The recommended screen time must be built on evidence, not guesswork, the researchers emphasize. The debate about a recommended screen time is needed, but more precise facts and insights would be needed. Looking back at history, there have always been some activities or events that are supposed to hurt young people and teenagers. Back in the days of Elvis Presley, adults thought that this kind of music would harm teenagers - or even make them obsessed. Similarly, comics, Harry Potter, rock music in the 1980s, and a game called Dungeon & Dragons, explains Ferguson.
Most teenagers are not adversely affected by the screen time
As long as children perform well at school and get enough sleep and physical activity, most of these adolescents have no profound time before the screen, explains Ferguson. A recent study on heavy media consumption, anxiety and depression also found no evidence for a link.
Talk about the risks of social media with your children
As a parent, you should not just insist that your child stop staring at the screen for one hour before bedtime, keep smartphones and tablets out of the bedroom, and do enough physical activity and exercise. It is also very important to discuss the general risks of social media, scientists recommend. (As)