In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere – on the desk, in hands, and even tuck in school bags. While technology can be a powerful tool for learning and connections, a dangerous tendency is emerging among adolescents: screen addiction. Most of the parents are already concerned about the growing dependence of their children on phones, tablets and TVs, but recent research has more weight in those concerns.

A new study led by Emma Duran at Western University in Canada has found that teenagers who spend more than two hours a day on screen in the week are at greater risk of developing anxiety and behavioral problems. Even more surprising, the effect was also seen in teenagers who did not have pre -anxiety symptoms – using that screen alone can be a trigger.

It’s not just time, it’s how they use it

Published in computer computer in human behavior, the study analyzed screen habits of 580 teenagers aged 12 to 17 years. Researchers found that the type of screen activity played a larger role than the period. The use of passive social media – such as scrolling through positions without commenting or attaching – was found to be a strong link for mental health issues compared to interactive use or educational screen time.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, many teenagers turn social media into a way to deal with loneliness and isolation. However, the habits did not disappear after the world reopening. In fact, many teenagers continue to spend large parts of their day immersed in the digital world.

Dumkrolling

A behavior highlighted a behavior is “dumacrolling” – scrolling through social media or news material without any active engagement. This habit can subtle a toll on the mental good of the teenager. The curated nature of online material leads to continuous social comparison, making teenagers feel that they are not enough or lack their lives.

“Teenagers can spend up to 15 hours a day on screen,” Duran says. “They wake up and immediately arrive for their phone, and this pattern continues throughout the day.” She says that breaking this cycle is important for mental and emotional welfare.

Tips to reduce screen addiction in teen

Set the screen time limit: Use the control or screen time app of the parents to cap on daily use. Target for more than two hours of recreational screen time in the week of the week.

Encourage digital downtime: Create a screen-free zone at home, such as during dinner or one hour before bedtime.

Promote real -world activities: Get volunteers to reduce the game, adolescents involved in hobby, or screen dependence.

Leading for example: Children often mimic adult behavior. Limiting your own screen time may be motivated to follow the suit.

Talk about the material: Discuss the difference between healthy and harmful screen uses. Teach teenagers to identify that when the material feels worried or insufficient.

Encourage social interactions Offline: Occasionally interaction and time can help balance the time online exposure with friends or family in real life.

Support school cell phone policies: Back initiatives like mobile phone ban in classroom to reduce distraction and improve focus.

Finally, the screens are to live here. But by guiding teenagers by guiding them wisely, parents can help prevent anxiety, low self-esteem and other emotional conflicts from crawling. As Deerden says right, “It is as important as we use any app as we get out and to be part of the real world.”