Covid doubles screen time for teens – Apocalyptic research |

by

Adolescents who spent more time in front of screens, with the exception of those who spent less time on school, had worse mental health and anxiety than adolescents who spent less time, according to a study of 5,412 boys and girls. girls, aged 12-13, in the US at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2020). Also, adolescents who had a supportive social environment, such as support from family and friends, to compensate for the isolation from the pandemic with other activities, such as physical exercise and creative activities, spent less time in front of the screens.

The total time in front of the screens was related to the time that the teenagers spent on electronic games (playing alone or with others), on social networks, sending e-mails via mobile phones, browsing the internet and watching TV and video. .

Professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Laboratory of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, EKPA, pediatrician Vicky Benetou, summarizes the data of the study published on November 1 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Overall, the average daily time teenagers reported spending time in front of screens was twice the time they spent before the pandemic period (7.7 hours / day in the pandemic compared to 3.8 hours / day before the pandemic) . As this time does not include hours for schoolwork and distance learning, the total daily time in front of the screens is estimated to be even longer. It is important to note, Ms. Benetou points out, that teens from economically weaker families spent more time in front of screens confirming the disproportionate negative impact of the pandemic on economically vulnerable populations.

Researchers point out that while the use of screens can be a useful tool for learning and education of children and adolescents, especially during the pandemic period, parents should be vigilant to reduce the negative effects of overuse. electronic devices in the mental health of their children.

Studies have shown that excessive screen time (using smartphones, tablets, gaming machines, televisions and computers) is associated with significant negative effects on physical and mental health, quality of life and well-being of children, such as disorders of the sleep, unhealthy eating habits, overweight, decreased physical activity, lower school performance, low self-esteem and symptoms of depression, says Ms. Benetou.

However, he notes, the involvement of children and adolescents with screens can be positive and combined with physical and mental health if there is proper and consistent guidance from parents and all those involved in their upbringing.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics and Adolescent Psychiatry, parents are advised to set up a family-friendly family plan for electronic devices that includes time limits, time for activities away from home. screens, areas where screens will not be used (eg bedrooms) as well as avoidance hours, such as bedtime. This plan should be individualized and adapted according to the age, personality, health status and developmental stage of each child. Also, it should be observed by all those who take care of the children, except the parents, such as grandparents, so that there is consistent observance of the plan. Finally, parents should be aware that they are acting as role models for their children and will need to redefine their own practices if these are not desirable.

.

You May Also Like

Recommended for you