ScreenCoach

Global Dilemma: Screen Time Research and Articles

Children today are immersed in a world dominated by screens, raising concerns about the potential impact on their well-being.

A 2022 report reveals children aged 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours glued to devices, excluding schoolwork. This excessive exposure has sparked headlines across newspapers, media, and expert communities, highlighting real-world issues associated with screen time:

Rising Rates of Obesity and Sleep Problems
Studies link increased screen time to higher childhood obesity and sleep disturbances, as children engage in less physical activity and struggle with sleep.
Attention & Cognitive Decline
Research suggests excessive screen time negatively impacts attention spans, memory, and problem-solving skills, hindering their ability to focus and learn deeply.
Social & Emotional Disconnect
Limited real-world interaction with peers can impede children's social and emotional development, leading to difficulties with social cues, communication, and building healthy relationships.
Mental Health Concerns
Growing evidence connects excessive screen time to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in children.
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These concerns are echoed in news outlets like The New York Times and CNN, highlighting the need for action.
Parents and educators must work together to promote healthy digital habits and ensure balanced screen time for children.
By encouraging alternative activities and fostering healthy digital habits, we can safeguard the well-being of our children in a screen-saturated world. Here, we delve into some real-world issues unfolding around us.

sadkid

ScreenTime Tops List of Kids' Health Concerns, Australians Say

Poll shows 60% of Australians consider excessive screen time a major problem for children, topping concerns like obesity and unhealthy diets. Parents fear modern lifestyles and mental health impact, while dental issues top individual worries for their own kids. Read full article here.
parent

Parents Struggle with Child Behaviour, Seek Positive Strategies

Parents are feeling stressed and overwhelmed by their children’s behaviour, according to a new poll. While the majority utilise positive tactics like praise and rewards, many struggle with understanding normal childhood behaviour and lack confidence in seeking help. Read full article here.
screentime

Aussie Parents Fear Screen Addiction - Report

Excessive screen time tops list of child health concerns for Australians, with 60% calling it a major problem. Obesity and unhealthy diets follow, while parents also worry about modern lifestyles and mental health. Despite this, dental issues are their top individual concern too. Read full article here.
Depressed Teen

Teen Depression Rising, Tied to Screen Time in Study - Researchers

A worrying study by the Black Dog Institute finds depression rising among Australian teens, particularly girls, with a potential link to increased screen time. While causation remains unclear, researchers emphasise the need to understand the complex connection between screens and young people’s mental health. Read full article here.
gaming

Teen Brains Hijacked: Can We Save Them From the Gaming Overload?

Australian families face a new monster: gaming addiction. Teens like Rhys surrender sleep, friends, and sanity to virtual worlds. Researchers sound alarms: 1 in 10 kids at risk, brains potentially rewired, aggression and depression rising. Parents fight for control, solutions sought. Can we break the spell before gaming wins? Read full article here.
addiction

Trapped in the Game: World Now Recognises Gaming Addiction

Excessive gaming? It’s not just fun anymore. The WHO officially classifies “gaming disorder” as a real health threat, impacting millions (studies say 1 in 10 gamers!). Your kid is losing sleep and ignoring loved ones? These are red flags. Learn the signs and find out why it’s vital to unplug before the game controls their life. Read full article here.