Teens & Screens

While screens can offer opportunities for learning, connection, & entertainment, they also pose risks that must be considered.

Social Interaction: Excessive screen time can lead to decreased face-to-face social interaction, which is essential for teenagers' social development. Spending excessive time on screens may result in feelings of loneliness, isolation, & disconnection from peers & family.

Sleep Disruption: Screen use, especially before bedtime, can disrupt teens' sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, making it difficult for teens to fall asleep which impacts the quality of their sleep. Poor sleep quality can contribute to mood disturbances, irritability, & difficulty concentrating.

Mental Health Issues: Constant exposure to social media, online bullying, & comparison with peers' curated online personas can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, & body image issues.

Cognitive Development: Prolonged screen use may negatively impact teenagers' cognitive development & academic performance. Excessive screen time can lead to decreased attention span, reduced ability to concentrate, & impaired problem-solving skills. It may also interfere with teenagers' ability to engage in offline activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and social skills development.

Physical Health: It's crucial to educate teenagers & their families about the potential risks of excessive screen time & explore adopting healthy screen use habits. This includes setting limits on screen time, promoting balance between online & offline activities, encouraging face-to-face social interactions, & prioritizing adequate sleep and physical activity.