A recent study from the University of California, San Francisco has found that excessive use of social media, texting, videos, and video games by pre-teens could be linked to manic symptoms. The study, published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, examined 9,243 children in the U.S. between the ages of 10 and 11. It revealed that behaviors such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity, which are characteristics of manic episodes, were more prevalent in children with higher exposure to certain types of tech. This raises concerns about the mental health impact of screen time on young individuals.
Expert Insights on Screen Time
Co-author of the study, Kyle Ganson, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, emphasized the significance of instilling healthy screen use habits early in children. He stressed the need for further research to understand the behaviors and brain mechanisms connecting screen use with manic symptoms to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing children’s digital consumption to safeguard their mental well-being.
Tips for Safer Tech Use
In light of these revelations, Verizon hosted a “digital wellness summit” in New York City, coinciding with the Global Day of Unplugging, to share insights on responsible technology use. Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, highlighted the necessity of establishing digital boundaries, particularly for children. He emphasized the need for a new parental blueprint to navigate the challenges posed by the digital age. Sampath’s call for a healthier relationship with technology resonates with the increasing concern over screen addiction among youth.
Further emphasizing the impact of technology on mental health, Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, a psychologist at Boston’s Children’s Hospital, warned against excessive phone use among kids. She stressed the negative repercussions, such as cyberbullying and hate speech, that could arise from unrestricted screen time. Sinclair-McBride’s insights shed light on the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of social media engagement for children.
Experts advocate for parents and caregivers to educate children on discerning online content and to model mindful tech use themselves. By fostering critical thinking skills and setting boundaries around screen time, families can mitigate the adverse effects of excessive digital exposure. Parents are encouraged to engage in real-life activities with their children to promote a healthy balance between screen time and physical experiences.
Sampath recommends incorporating outdoor activities, sports, creative pursuits, and social interactions to counterbalance digital immersion. Encouraging families to prioritize real-world connections and hands-on experiences, he underscores the long-term benefits of engaging in physical, tangible activities. By creating opportunities for children to explore diverse interests beyond digital realms, parents can nurture a holistic approach to well-being.
In essence, the study’s findings and expert insights underscore the critical need for mindful screen use practices, especially among children. By fostering healthy tech habits, promoting real-world interactions, and prioritizing physical activities, families can navigate the digital landscape while safeguarding the mental health of young individuals. It’s time to strike a balance between the virtual and tangible worlds for a harmonious relationship with technology.
