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Too much screen time is bad for health, especially for children and young people, and a growing number of doctors and organisations are publicly warning parents about the dangerous consequences of excessive use of mobile phones, computers, tablets and similar devices, especially when accessing social media platforms.
There is no doubt that this situation has evolved into a global public health crisis that requires self-determination by countries to resolve.
In 2023, the US Surgeon General issued an official advisory warning of the dangers of excessive use of social media and its impact on children’s mental health. In a call for urgent action, policymakers, technology companies and families were urged to create healthier online environments to help children. The survey also showed that children aged 9-12 spent an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes on screens every day, while children aged 5-8 spent an average of only 5 minutes a day on learning apps.
Earlier this year, the US surgeon general noted during a research visit to the UK that British teenagers were spending so much time on social media that they were losing the ability to have face-to-face conversations and build relationships.
A study published in February by the Resolution Foundation found that the number of young people experiencing poor mental health is rising in the UK.
The report states that in 2021/22, a third of young people aged 18 to 24 reported symptoms of a mental disorder such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, a figure significantly higher than 24% in 2000.
Global health officials now face an uphill battle to reverse the trend. In addition to the above problems, too much screen time has been linked to poor eye health and delayed cognitive development.
Recently, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, launched a comprehensive eye care programme for children under 18 years of age and older adults.
While the ministry is yet to release statistics, initial feedback received seems to indicate that most of the children who have benefited have vision problems.
In light of the awareness of the problem of excessive screen time, Dr Shailendra Sugrim, director of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Group (GPHC), recently implored parents to monitor their children’s screen time to prevent eye strain and seek information on effectively managing device usage.
“Exposure to blue light from devices can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to poor rest, increased stress, heart problems and high blood pressure,” he said.
He clearly cares about the issue and offers the following advice: Get your children’s eyes checked regularly to help them maintain their vision in the years to come; allow your children to spend more time outdoors as the sunlight helps their eyes develop; and reduce the time your children spend on electronic devices by making sure they take regular breaks and follow the 20-20 rule, which is a 20-second break every 20 minutes.
Technology is an important part of our lives. It contributes greatly to development and plays a role in making life easier. However, we must find ways to use technology in a positive way and reduce its harmful effects on children and young people.
Prioritizing health and wellness and encouraging human interaction must be our top priority.
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