A recent study has found that children who spend more than 100 hours per week on screen time are more likely to experience behavioral problems, including aggression, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention.
The study, which was published in the journal “Pediatrics,” tracked the screen time exposure and behavior of over 2,000 children between the ages of 2 and 17. The researchers found that children who spent more than 100 hours per week on screen time were more likely to have attention problems, such as difficulty paying attention and staying focused on tasks. They were also more likely to be aggressive and hyperactive.
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research that has linked screen time exposure to behavioral problems in children. A 2018 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that children who spent more than two hours per day on screen time were more likely to have attention problems, sleep problems, and obesity.
The AAP recommends that children under the age of 2 should not have any screen time, and that children between the ages of 2 and 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. For children over the age of 5, the AAP recommends no more than two hours of screen time per day.
There are several reasons why screen time exposure can be harmful to children’s behavior.
- Screen time can interfere with sleep. When children spend too much time on screens, they may not be getting enough sleep, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
- Screen time can promote sedentary behavior. When children are on screens, they are not moving around, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
- Screen time can be addictive. Children who spend a lot of time on screens may become addicted to the constant stimulation, which can lead to problems with attention and focus.
- Screen time can expose children to harmful content. Children who spend a lot of time on screens may be exposed to violence, pornography, and other harmful content, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
There are several things that parents can do to reduce their children’s screen time exposure.
- Set limits on screen time. Decide how much screen time your child is allowed each day and stick to it.
- Create screen-free zones. Designate certain areas of your home, such as the dinner table and bedroom, as screen-free zones.
- Offer alternative activities. Help your child find other activities to do besides screen time, such as reading, playing outside, or spending time with friends.
- Be a role model. If you want your child to limit their screen time, you need to do the same.
Screen time exposure is a major problem for children. It can lead to a variety of behavioral problems, including aggression, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention. Parents need to be aware of the risks of screen time exposure and take steps to reduce their children’s exposure to screens.
| Screen Time Exposure | Behavioral Problems |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 hours per week | Less likely to have behavioral problems |
| More than 100 hours per week | More likely to have behavioral problems, including aggression, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention |
| Age | Screen Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Under 2 | No screen time |
| 2-5 | No more than one hour per day |
| 6+ | No more than two hours per day |
- Set limits on screen time.
- Create screen-free zones.
- Offer alternative activities.
- Be a role model.
- Improved sleep
- Increased physical activity
- Reduced risk of obesity
- Improved attention and focus
- Reduced risk of mental health problems
