FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Digital devices are woven into daily life for many families.
Studies showing the average person spends more than two hours on social media each day, but growing research suggests that increased screen time, particularly on social media, may be taking a toll on children and teens.
A study published in the Journal Of American Medical Association Pediatrics found that heavier digital media use was linked to poorer mental health and developmental outcomes, especially when it came to social media.
“We also know that most of these platforms are intentionally designed to keep people on them, right?” said Coraline Robinson, a licensed family and marriage therapist with Balance Treatment Center. “It’s about profit, and it’s about these businesses succeeding. They need a market, and they need a market that continues to use their products.”
According to the study, researchers reviewed more than 150 studies involving participants between the ages of 2 and 19. The analysis showed that social media use was associated with higher levels of depression, more behavioral problems and poorer academic achievement.
“A lot of these platforms are developed so that there is an immediate rush of dopamine or other,” Robinson said. “Neurochemicals that keep us on these platforms.”
The findings suggest that young people may be particularly at risk.
“Young people are especially vulnerable to that because again, they don’t have their full executive functioning and ability to regulate those emotions,” Robinson said.
The study also looked at other forms of digital media. Video game use was associated with higher aggression and behavioral problems, though researchers noted small improvements in attention and skills related to problem-solving.
Robinson said that adults play a role in shaping healthy technology habits, adding that parents should model the behavior they expect from children.
“If we’re going to be talking to our kids about reducing their use, are we reducing our use?” Robinson said. “Are we talking to them while our phone is on our lap and we’re checking our text messages?”
Experts say family involvement is key when it comes to monitoring how much time children spend on their devices. They also encourage families to sign kids up for activities away from screens, giving them more opportunities to engage with the real world.
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