Exposure to screens for four hours a day leads to depression and anxiety

Are teenagers who spend too much time in front of the screen likely to develop depression and anxiety? A study conducted in the United States by the US National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of theCDC (Center for Disease Control), found that teenagers who spend more than four hours a day in front of the screen are more likely to show signs of depression and anxiety. The data indicates that about half of the youth between the ages of 12 and 17 reported daily use of four or more hours of screens between July 2021 and December 2023. 22.8 percent reported three hours of total screen time per day, 17.8 percent reported two hours, 6.1 percent only one hour, and only 3 percent of the teenagers reported less than an hour a day. According to the study’s authors, the reports referred to screen use on a typical weekday and did not include time devoted to learning.The study also revealed that during the same period, about 27.1 percent of teenagers who spent four or more hours a day in front of the screen experienced symptoms of anxiety, and 25.9 percent of them reported symptoms of depression during the past two weeks. The rate of symptoms was significantly lower among teenagers with less than four daily hours of screen time: only 12.3 percent reported feelings of anxiety, and only 9.5 percent reported symptoms of depression. These data highlight the connection between prolonged screen time and the mental health of adolescents, and reducing screen time may contribute to reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.

Dr. Moran Shagib, an expert psychiatrist from Assuta to the House, points out that the question of the relationship between screen time and the mental state of teenagers is broad and complex, and often not so clear-cut. “Depression and agree, what’s the chicken and what’s the egg?” she asks, “The studies show a connection Between depression and suicidality and prolonged screen time of four hours or more, but does a depressed teenager withdraw from social interaction to screens, or does a lack of personal social interactions lead to depression?”

Dr. Shagiv points out that the relationship between the screen and the mental state of adolescents can occur in two directions. It is possible that the screens serve as a refuge for adolescents who experience loneliness or distress, and on the other hand, it is possible that the multiple exposure to screens limits their social involvement. Thus, the question of “What is the chicken and what The egg” becomes a key to a deeper understanding of the social consequences of the use of digital media.

Sleep disturbances and decreased social interactions

Previous studies have shown that increased screen time may lead to sleep disturbances, a decrease in physical and social interactions, and even increased feelings of anxiety and depression. But the difficulty in limiting screen time has become a challenge for parents and educators. In a reality where screens have become an essential tool for learning, communication and even leisure activities, achieving a healthy balance is not easy. “The screen is everywhere,” says Dr. Shagiv, “when doing homework on the computer and even when communicating with friends on the phone.” According to her, an approach is required that emphasizes the benefits of social interaction and physical activity, along with understanding the lifestyle habits of the youth, and it is very important to encourage teenagers Take part in activities that encourage personal social interaction. “It is advisable and recommended to increase activities that encourage personal social interaction, such as “Family meals, classes and social gatherings,” she says. Of course, it is important to carry out these activities according to the interests of the teenagers and based on their consent, so that they are enjoyable and beneficial.”