Excessive screen time: Kids being diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and brain disorders, claims study

PTC Web Desk: Excessive screen time has emerged as a pressing concern among parents and healthcare professionals, increasingly being described as "addiction." This phenomenon is not only capturing widespread attention, but also raising alarms about its potential consequences on children's health and development.

Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman, in a recent paper published in the Journal of the International Child Neurology Association, describes screen addiction as a troubling trend among children engaged in excessive screen use. He explains that the term "addiction" is increasingly applied to describe the problematic and dependent manner in which children interact with screens. This growing concern is mirrored by emerging evidence of related disorders in India, where unregulated screen time is contributing to a surge in health issues.

One of the most significant problems linked to prolonged screen exposure is the obesity epidemic. Extended screen time contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, which is a major factor in the rising rates of obesity. This, in turn, is leading to a cascade of associated health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The impact of these issues extends beyond physical health, potentially setting the stage for long-term health complications that persist into adulthood.

Furthermore, excessive screen use can cause changes in the developing brains of children, affecting their neural development. Unlike adults, whose brains are fully developed, children are more vulnerable to these changes. Research published in PLOS One highlights that excessive screen time is associated with developmental delays, particularly in language acquisition and communication skills, especially in children under five years old.

Experts say while screen time isn't directly linked to rising disorders, it exacerbates neurodevelopmental issues. It is learnt that children aged 7 to 8, who struggle with eye contact and are diagnosed with autism, often have screen addiction as an indirect factor. Excessive screen time is a significant risk factor for children under three years of age, potentially leading to language delays and difficulties in emotional regulation.

Another major concern is the impact of screen time on eye health. A study published in BMC Public Health found that increased screen use is associated with a higher risk of myopia, which can lead to complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. This strain on the brain's visual centres can also affect cognitive development, as clear vision is crucial for effective information processing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for screen time, recommending no screen exposure for children under two years old, and limiting screen time to one hour on weekdays and three hours on weekends for children aged two to five years. For children six years and older, there are no specific time limits, but healthy usage and activities are encouraged.

Experts warn that the constant bombardment of information and entertainment from screens can lead to overstimulation, reduced attention spans, and difficulties in engaging in real-world activities. Further, excessive screen time also disrupts children's biological clocks, affecting their sleep-wake cycles and leading to issues such as memory problems and attention deficits. The light emitted from screens at night can also interfere with dopamine production, which is crucial for regulating mood and attention.

Dr George Lynn, a US-based psychotherapist, says excessive screen time can contribute to personality disorders in children. Issues such as insomnia, back pain, weight fluctuations, vision problems, and anxiety are becoming more common, with screen addiction playing a significant role. 

To address these challenges, experts advocate for encouraging physical activity and creative play as alternatives to screen time. The WHO also emphasises the importance of replacing sedentary screen time with active play and ensuring quality sleep to support overall well-being.