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THE LINK BETWEEN SCREEN ADDICTION AND UNHAPPINESS
A 2018 study by San Diego State University researchers found that teens who spend considerable time in front of a screen (texting, playing video games, and video chatting) are less content than those who spend time on nonscreen activities such as sports, reading, and personal interaction. The researchers stated, “The key to digital media use and happiness is limited use. Aim to spend no more than two hours a day on digital media, and try to increase the
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amount of time you spend seeing friends face-to-face and exercising – two activities reliably linked to greater happiness.” This study is just one of many that have found a pronounced correlation between screen use and poor mental health. Various bodies of research have linked too much tech time to an increased suicide risk; personal, social, and workplace problems, as well as more loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
RISING LEVELS OF OBESITY IN YOUTHS
A 2009 study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that children who slept less, consumed more caffeine, and had more hours of screen time were more likely to be obese and had a greater chance of suffering negative effects on their health, psychosocial wellbeing, and academic performance. Childhood obesity rates in Europe are on the rise and those living in the most deprived areas are most affected. Parents should
