Title : Screen time and its mental health impact on U.S. Children and adolescents
Abstract:
Excessive screen time has become a significant concern for children and adolescents in the U.S., as growing evidence links high usage to negative mental health and behavioral outcomes. Current data show that around 50% of teenagers spend four or more hours each day using screens, while preteens average 5.5 hours of non-educational screen time.Increased screen exposure is associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and hindered social development. Parental awareness and management of screen time are inconsistent. Many caregivers allow unsupervised access to screens even though they recognize the potential harm. This review summarizes recent epidemiological findings and examines the mental health and behavioral consequences of excessive screen use. It also offers practical strategies for parents, educators, and healthcare providers. Setting age-appropriate screen time limits, promoting physical activity, monitoring content, encouraging real-world social interactions, and modeling healthy digital behaviors. Effectively addressing screen time is crucial for supporting the cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of children and adolescents in today's increasingly digital world.
