CDC explores link between screen time and poor mental health

Published: November 5, 2024

What we know about the link between screen time and poor mental health

Author: Movieguide® Author

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that half of American teens spend at least four hours a day in front of a screen and it is impacting their mental health.

“About 50% of American teens ages 12 to 17 spend at least four hours a day in front of screens—whether on smartphones, computers or televisions,” Fox News reportedadding that “researchers are finding a link between prolonged screen use and mental health problems.”

The publication continued: “The CDC study found that nearly 27% of teens who reported four or more hours of daily screen time also reported feeling anxious in the past two weeks. In comparison, only 12.3% of teens who used less screen time experienced similar symptoms.”

The study also found that “nearly 27% of teens who reported four or more hours of daily screen time also reported experiencing anxiety in the past two weeks. By comparison, only 12.3% of teens who used less screen time experienced similar symptoms.”

Chaudhary called social media a “double-edged sword”, explaining that “while some may find support and connection to help them feel better, as they can find communities they might not otherwise have access to , many end up feeling worse or just as bad.”

“The challenge for parents and children is how to balance this so that we can reap the benefits without sacrificing our mental health,” she concluded.

While teenagers are the ones whose screen time is skyrocketing, research shows that young people wish they weren’t so dependent on their phones.

Daily Mail reported in a study that found that 52% of teens surveyed “want to kick addiction and reduce screen time, but don’t know how.”