Excessive Technology Use in Pre-Teens
A recent study from the University of California, San Francisco, has found that pre-teens exposed to high levels of certain technology usages are at an increased risk of developing manic symptoms. The research was published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology and involved a nationwide sample of 9,243 children in the U.S. between the ages of 10 and 11.
The study indicates that young people who are heavily engaged with social media, texting, videos, and video games exhibit behaviors such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity—behaviors often associated with manic episodes, which are a key feature of bipolar spectrum disorders. Dr. Kyle Ganson, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of cultivating healthy screen habits early, stating, ‘This study underscores the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early.’
Expert Insights on Safer Tech Use
In conjunction with Global Day of Unplugging on March 7, Verizon hosted its first-ever digital wellness summit in New York City, focusing on promoting safe technology use. Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, spoke about the need for digital boundaries for children, noting, ‘Digital wellness should be for every age… a new blueprint is necessary as parents, because we’ve never been through this before.’
The findings revealed that kids and teenagers are spending around four to five hours daily on social media and receiving between 250 and 275 notifications. They also touch their phones approximately 150 times a day, a quarter of which occur during school hours.
The Potential Dangers of Technology for Youth
Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride from Boston’s Children’s Hospital noted the risks associated with excessive phone use, particularly concerning threats like cyberbullying. She emphasized, ‘We know that these are associated with depressive symptoms and other mental health concerns.’ Furthermore, she pointed out that some social media apps are designed to keep users engaged, stating, ‘We have to balance those two things.’
Advice for Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians are encouraged to learn about the apps their children are using and to foster critical thinking regarding online content. Dr. Sinclair-McBride advised, ‘Slowing down and being more thoughtful is the first step in modeling that as a parent.’ Additionally, creating more opportunities for outdoor activities and unplugged family time is recommended. Sampath suggested, ‘You want to create space to have fun… physical activities and real relationships are vital for mental health.’
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Given the significant findings of this study, parents and guardians are urged to reassess their technology use and set boundaries not only for their children but for themselves as well. Emphasizing the need for balance, the experts agree that real-life interactions and activities can greatly enhance well-being. Are you ready to take the leap toward healthier tech habits in your family?
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