While the screen time continues to go up, the same goes for its effects on physical and mental health. Although this habit of lifestyle has harmful effects on people of all ages, a recent study has highlighted the pre -adolescents, suggesting that excessive use of the screen by sending SMS, watching videos or playing video games could trigger manic symptoms.
A recent large -scale study Implying 9,243 children aged 10 and 11 highlighted the potential mental health risks of excessive screen use. Published in social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, research explored how heavy engagement with social media, video games, texts and video streaming have an impact on young minds.
To better understand the link between screen time and mental health, researchers from the latest study have analyzed data from the Cognitive Development Study of the Brain of Adolescents (ABCD), the largest long-term study of brain development in the United States. They examined the typical screen habits of thousands of pre -adolescents, a student if excessive use of social media, video games and SMS was associated with manic or hypomanic symptoms.
The results have shown that those who have an excess screen time were more important to develop “swollen self -esteem, a decrease in the need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, race and impulsiveness – characteristic behaviors of manic episodes, a key characteristic of bipolar disorders.”
“Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable moment for the development of bipolar disorders. Since the appearance earlier of symptoms is linked to more serious and chronic results, it is important to understand what could contribute to the appearance or worsening of manic symptoms in adolescents,” said Dr. Jason Nagata, first author of the study in a press release.
Researchers have also noted that American adolescents are now spending an average of more than eight hours a day on screens, double the pre-Pandemic average, coinciding with an increase in mental health problems.
“This study highlights the importance of cultivating healthy screen consumption habits early. Future research can help us better understand the behaviors and brain mechanisms linking screen use with manic symptoms to help clarify prevention and intervention efforts,” said co-author Kyle Ganson.
Although screen time offers educational advantages, Dr. Nagata warns that parents should be aware of the potential risks and know the importance of balance their use to protect mental health. “Families can develop a media plan that could include time without screen before bedtime,” added Dr. Nagata.
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