A new study involving over 50.000 children in the US found that four or more hours a day in front of screens is associated with a higher incidence of mental health problems.
According to the study, physical activity emerges as the strongest protective factor between screen time and mental health problems, accounting for up to 39% of this association.
The Nature Portfolio study reveals that excessive screen time in children is associated with significant harmful consequences for their mental health with various disorders: ADHD, anxiety, behavioral problems, and even depression.
"What we're most concerned about in these results is the high likelihood of depression," said Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist. The data shows a 61 percent increase in the likelihood of depression, a 45 percent increase in anxiety, a 24 percent increase in conduct or behavioral problems, and a 21 percent increase in ADHD.
He said that while there are effective treatments for depression, treatment from a young age can present challenges that can further negatively impact a patient's life, in part because of the side effects associated with antidepressant use.
Source: KYPE
