In modern life, the amount of time children spend in front of gadgets and screens is causing concern for many parents. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Problems related to the internet, social networks, and mobile devices, including depression, insomnia, and changes in behavior, are widely discussed. However, scientists emphasize that the concerns in this area are not always scientifically justified.
A study conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2021 showed that worries related to screens are excessive. The study analyzed 33 scientific papers published between 2015 and 2019.
The results indicated that the time spent in front of screens has very little impact on mental health issues. Screen time is a general concept, and its effects can vary.
Whether children are playing video games or reading useful information, whether they are alone or interacting with friends – each of these factors affects their mental state differently. Research shows that the problem often lies not with the screen itself, but with loneliness and social disconnection.
For example, among children suffering from depression, those who spend a lot of time in front of screens tend to be more isolated. A large study conducted between 2016 and 2018 involving 11,500 children aged 9 to 12 examined changes in brain connectivity related to screen time.
However, scientists did not find clear evidence that screen time causes mental or cognitive problems. Taking these results into account, scientists and psychologists are urging parents to approach their children's relationship with screens with caution.
It is very important to distinguish between beneficial and harmful content and to create a trustworthy and healthy environment for children. Parents should be proactive in safeguarding their children's mental health.
