Screens Vs. Health:

I’m sure we’ve all noticed discomfort due to spending large chunks of time on devices. But how does screen time actually affect your body and mind? Here are some symptoms to watch out for that are associated with excessive screen time:

Physical

• poor sleep

• risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

  • high blood pressure

  • obesity

  • poor stress regulation

• impaired vision, tension headaches from eye strain, and dry eyes

• reduced bone density

• poor posture 

  • musculoskeletal pain (neck pain, back pain)

  • poor alignment of the spine

  • joint stress

  • decreased lung capacity and reduced breathing efficiency

  • digestive issues

• carpal tunnel syndrome

Psychological

• depressive/suicidal symptoms associated with:

  • screen time induced poor sleep

  • night use of digital devices

  • mobile phone dependency

• ADHD related behavior and antisocial behavior linked to violent and fast-paced content which activates dopamine and the reward pathways

Psychoneurological

• addictive screen time use decreases social coping and involves craving behavior

  • resembles substance dependence behavior

• structural brain changes

  • related to cognitive control and emotional regulation

  • associated with digital media addictive behavior

In Children

• speech delay

• cognitive impairment

• difficulty with problem-solving and creative thinking

• cyber bullying and exposure to predators

• body weight issues and poor bone health 

  • due to lack of physical activity

  • can lead to heart disease and other health conditions

• depression and anxiety

Sources: NIH, Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, Premier Health