More kids are using even more screens like tablets, phones and laptops since the pandemic started but that extra screen time isn’t always healthy.
Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco focused on 12- to 13-year-olds, and the study shows screen time for teens doubled from nearly four hours to nearly eight hours during the pandemic.
This doesn’t include time spent online for school.
The study also shows some racial disparities. It shows minority teens and those from lower income families also spent more times on screens compared to white, higher income teens.
Researchers say increased screen use may have some positive and negative impacts on teens.
Tamar Mendelson, who works Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Professor, said many teens were able to use screens to connect with their friends during the pandemic.
She said developing those friendships and interactions is vital.
But Mendelson said more screen time can interfere with sleeping habits and lead to mental health risks.
“Screen time can increase mental health issues like depression and anxiety symptoms. it can reduce the amount of time that kids spend reading and exercising so it can hurt academics, it can be associated with increased weight gain or obesity,” said Mendelson, Director of the Center for Adolescent Health
Doctors recommend stopping screen time at least one hour before bed.
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