Published: November 5, 2024

What We Know About the Link Between Screen Time and Poor Mental Health

By Movieguide® Contributor

A new report from the CDC reveals that half of American teens spend at least four hours a day in front of a screen, and it’s affecting their mental health.

“Nearly 50% of American teens ages 12 to 17 spend at least four hours a day in front of screens on their smartphones, computers or televisions,” Fox News reported. reportedHe added that “researchers have found a link between extended screen use and mental health problems.”

The publication continued: “The CDC study found that nearly 27% of teens who reported spending four or more hours a day in front of a screen also reported experiencing anxiety in the past two weeks. By comparison, only 12.3% of teens with less screen exposure ü experienced similar symptoms.”

The study also found that “about 27% of teens who reported spending four hours or more per day in front of a screen also reported experiencing anxiety in the past two weeks.” By comparison, only 12.3% of teens with less screen exposure experienced similar symptoms.”

READ MORE: IS SCREEN TIME MAKING YOUR CHILD DEPRESSIVE?

Chaudhary called social media a “double-edged sword,” explaining, “While some may find support and connection to help them feel better because they can find communities they might not normally have access to, many end up feeling worse or just as bad.”

“The challenge for parents and children is how to balance this so that we can reap the benefits without compromising our mental health,” he concluded.

Even though young people’s screen time is rapidly increasing, research shows that they wish they weren’t so dependent on their phones.

Daily Mail reported A study that found that 52% of young people surveyed “want to get rid of their addictions and reduce the time they spend in front of the screen, but they don’t know how to do it.”

READ MORE: HERE’S HOW CUTTING SCREEN TIME IN HALF CHANGED A TEENAGER’S LIFE