Smartphones and Children: Are These Hazardous to Their Health?
In an era dominated by technology, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. While these devices offer numerous benefits, their impact on the health and mental well-being of our children has become a growing concern. At CMC Pediatrics, we believe it’s crucial to explore the potential negative effects and find ways to help parents mitigate them.
Through the years, numerous studies have highlighted the impact of excessive screen time on the physical and mental health of children and some suggest that reliance on devices may hinder our children’s ability to learn to regulate their emotions. This means that the more time that kids are on screen, the less time for interaction with adults, sleep, and opportunities to read and hold conversations; all crucial to child development.
In a recent Novant Health article, Sarah Bonnema, a mom of three and an instructor at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, laid out “Why my 10-year-old daughter won’t be getting a phone anytime soon.”
“I look at the growing body of research about how smartphones may impact our social and emotional lives, our focus and mental clarity, and our happiness and I wonder: if I can’t always responsibly manage a phone — even when I want to — how do I expect my 10-year-old to do it?,” wrote Bonnema. “After all, she’s still developing self-management and social and emotional skills — and I want to help her develop these abilities, not impede them.”
Negative Effects
Mobile phones may be an easy way to distract children or keep them occupied. However, they come with their own set of vices. Some of the negative effects of the regular use of mobile phones include:
- Sleep Disruption:
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that the use of smartphones before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns in children. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep. When children don’t get enough sleep, they are moodier, focusing is harder, and it can affect how well they do in school.
- Reduced Physical Activity:
The allure of digital entertainment often keeps children glued to screens, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of physical activity is associated with an increased risk of obesity and related health issues. Not to mention the effect on their posture. Some children may sit with their shoulders hunched and head bent leading to pain in the shoulders, back, neck, and more, in the long run.
52% of teens sit for long periods in silence, on their
smartphones, while hanging out with friends.
- Social Isolation:
Excessive screen time can hinder face-to-face social interactions, crucial for the development of communication and interpersonal skills. Seeing the world through a mobile phone may cause your child to choose to isolate themselves from friends and family. This can lead to social skills being underdeveloped and can also impact their emotional intelligence which eventually affects them in adulthood.
Rather than in-person interaction, 33% of teens spend
more time socializing with close friends online.
- Cyberbullying and Mental Health:
The rise of social media exposes children to the risk of cyberbullying, contributing to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Many children who have been cyber-bullied may only talk about their experience much later in life when the mental damage has already been done. - Mental Health Challenges:
A recent study led by faculty at the Yale Department of Psychiatry and Columbia School of Nursing analyzed screen media activity in 9- and 10-year-olds and found that youth who spent the most time on their digital technology were statistically more likely to exhibit changes in brain development causing higher levels of internalizing problems two years later. Internalizing problems include depression, anxiety, social anxiety, somatic complaints, and other concerns. A majority of research suggests that high users of screens were significantly more likely to have:
– Issues regulating their emotions (not staying calm, arguing too much, and being difficult to get along with)
– An inability to finish tasks
– Lower curiosity
– More difficulty making friends.
– Be more difficult to care for
– Lower in self-control. - Attention and Concentration Issues:
Constant notifications and a barrage of digital stimuli can contribute to attention deficits and reduced concentration. It also distracts them from their studies and sports as kids wish to spend more time with their phones than their books. This can affect academic performance and overall cognitive development.
The Impact
As Bonnema highlighted in her Novant Health article, “There isn’t much long-term data yet on how smartphones affect the developing tween brain. However, what we see so far isn’t promising.”
In May 2023, the surgeon general issued an Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health which said, “Nearly every teenager in America uses social media, and yet we do not have enough evidence to conclude that it is sufficiently safe for them. Our children have become unknowing participants in a decades-long experiment.”
“The advisory noted that social media can be helpful for certain groups of tweens and teens —such as racial, ethnic, sexual and gender minorities, who may use it to connect with peers and develop more confidence in their identity,” explained Bonnema.
“But the advisory also said social media use is linked with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, body image issues and other mental health concerns — findings which “raise serious concerns about the risk of harm from social media exposure for children and adolescents who are at a more vulnerable stage of brain development.””
4 Ways to Manage Your Child’s Smartphone Usage
To address these concerns, CMC Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines for parents:
- Establish Screen Time Limits
Set clear boundaries on daily screen time and encourage alternative activities such as outdoor play, reading, and creative pursuits.
If you’re uncomfortable with your child’s or your own attachment to your smartphones, you can access your average screen time in the settings of your phone and use that to have a conversation about healthier usage and limiting screen time.
Another trick that helps limit smartphone use is to turn your color settings to black and white. Late-night scrolling isn’t as stimulating when you’re seeing black-and-white visuals, which encourages putting down your device.
- Create Tech-Free Zones
Designate specific areas in your home where smartphones are not allowed, promoting family interaction and reducing the risk of sleep disruption.
- Encourage Healthy Sleep Habits
Create a bedtime routine that excludes screen time, contributing to better sleep hygiene.
- Open Communication Channels
Foster open communication between yourself and your children, creating an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and any challenges they may be facing.
- Be An Example for Your Kids
Be more mindful of how often you are using your phone around your children. According to data collected in 2019, 86% of smartphone users will check their devices while in conversations with friends and family and 46% of parents feel addicted to their phones. Where your eyes are sends a message to your children about what’s important. The emotional intelligence of your kids can be adversely impacted by your smartphone use. Ask yourself “What does it mean for my child if I’m engaging with a screen and not paying attention to them when they are seeking my attention?”
Compared to teens who only spend an hour on electronic devices daily,
teens who spend five or more hours a day on electronic devices are
71% more likely to exhibit suicide risk factors.
By staying informed and implementing these strategies, you can help mitigate the potential negative impacts of smartphones on the health and mental well-being of your children. CMC Pediatrics remains committed to supporting families in navigating the digital landscape responsibly, ensuring a healthy and balanced upbringing for our next generation.
Your Go-To for Pediatric Care
CMC Pediatrics in Carolina Forest is the perfect choice for your child’s healthcare needs. With a team of dedicated and caring professionals, they create a warm and welcoming environment that puts both kids and parents at ease. From routine check-ups to addressing illnesses, CMC Pediatrics prioritizes your child’s well-being. Our pediatric providers goes the extra mile to create a welcoming atmosphere, making doctor visits a positive experience. Trustworthy, caring, and committed – they’re here to support your child’s health journey every step of the way.
