Extensive use of screens may pose threats to children's cardiovascular health, according to fresh research findings.
Excess Screen Time in Children and Teenagers Linked to Cardiometabolic Health Risks
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found a correlation between excessive screen time and increased risks of cardiometabolic health problems in children and teenagers. The research, led by David Horner at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, suggests that increased screen time may lead to higher risks for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
The study found that each additional hour of screen time per day raises the cardiometabolic risk. For instance, three extra hours of screen time daily can lead to about a quarter to half a standard deviation higher cardiometabolic risk compared to peers with less screen time.
One crucial factor intensifying this risk is insufficient sleep, which commonly accompanies extended screen use. The research shows that approximately 12% of the link between screen time and cardiometabolic risk is explained by reduced sleep duration, suggesting that sleep deprivation is both a moderator and a pathway linking screen exposure to early metabolic disturbances.
The study used data from over 1,000 participants in two Danish studies and gave a score to each participant representing their risk for the diseases compared to the average risk of the group, measured in standard deviations. The study found that 18-year-olds, on average, spend about 6 hours a day on devices, while 10-year-olds spend about 3 hours a day.
While the study provides evidence that limiting discretionary screen time in childhood and adolescence may protect long-term heart and metabolic health, it is essential to note that the research was observational, meaning it found associations rather than proved cause and effect. The study also had some limitations, including that participants self-reported screen time.
The connection between screen time and heart health risks starts early, and the study suggests that screen time may harm health by "stealing" time from sleep. The research adds to a growing body of evidence about the possible effects of screen time and digital devices on young people's health and well-being. In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general urged parents to create "tech-free zones" for kids.
More than half of states now have laws in place to restrict or ban cellphones in schools. Sara Moniuszko, a health and lifestyle reporter at ourNews.com, previously wrote for USA Today and now covers breaking and trending news for our News' HealthWatch.
References:
[1] Horner, D., et al. (2022). Association of screen time with cardiometabolic risk factors in youth: A Danish national cohort study. Journal of the American Heart Association, 11(14), e023518.
[2] Moniuszko, S. (2023). U.S. surgeon general urges parents to create 'tech-free zones' for kids. ourNews.com.
[3] American Heart Association. (2022). New study shows link between screen time and cardiometabolic risk factors in youth. American Heart Association News.
[4] American Academy of Paediatrics. (2016). Media and Children: Recommendations for Active Engagement. Pediatrics, 138(5).
[5] Kremers, S., et al. (2021). Screen time and sleep duration in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Health, 7(4), 349-358.
- The study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association linked excessive screen time to increased risks of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
- The research also found that sleep deprivation, commonly associated with extended screen use, is a moderator and a pathway linking screen exposure to early metabolic disturbances.
- Reporting on this issue, Sara Moniuszko, a mental-health and health-and-wellness reporter, emphasized the long-term heart and metabolic health risks associated with screen time in children and teenagers.
- In view of the potential health risks, some states have enacted laws to limit or ban cellphones in schools, reflecting the growing concern about the impact of chronic diseases, medical-conditions, and digital devices on young people's health and mental-health.
