Study Links High Screen Time in Pre-Teens to Manic Symptoms

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco suggests that elevated screen time among pre-teens may increase the risk of developing manic symptoms.

Published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, this research involved a nationwide sample of 9,243 children in the United States aged 10 to 11 years.

The findings indicate that young people who engage extensively with social media, texting, video content, and video games display behaviors associated with manic episodes. These behaviors include heightened self-esteem, reduced need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. Such symptoms are commonly linked to bipolar-spectrum disorders, according to the press release that accompanied the study.

Implications of Technology for Young Minds

Co-author Kyle Ganson, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, emphasized the significance of establishing healthy tech habits at an early age. Ganson stated, “This study underscores the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early.” Future research could better illuminate the connection between screen use and manic symptoms, informing potential prevention and intervention efforts.

In an effort to promote digital wellness, Verizon hosted its inaugural “digital wellness summit” in New York City on March 7, coinciding with the Global Day of Unplugging. This event aimed to educate the public about safe technology usage.

Setting Digital Boundaries

Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, highlighted the critical need for parents to establish digital boundaries, particularly for their children. At the summit, Sampath remarked, “Digital wellness should be for every age, but really we need a new blueprint as parents, because we’ve never navigated this before.” This observation resonates strongly in an age where screen time has become standard for children and adolescents.

According to Verizon’s 2024 Consumer Connections Report, kids and teenagers are on social media for four to five hours each day and receive between 250 and 275 notifications daily. Additionally, children pick up their phones roughly 150 times a day, with a quarter of these interactions occurring during school hours.

Sampath noted, “This is what sparked us to think there is a healthier relationship people can have.” This involves re-evaluating how technology is integrated into daily life.

Expert Views on Screen Time and Mental Health

Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, a psychologist at Boston’s Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, voiced concerns about pre-teens spending excessive hours on their devices. She observed that young users might face threats such as cyberbullying and exposure to hate speech.

She explained, “We know that these risks are associated with depressive symptoms and other mental health concerns.” However, Sinclair-McBride also acknowledged the positive aspects of technology, noting that it can foster social connections and learning. Thus, balancing these two facets is crucial.

The psychologist cautioned that numerous social media apps are designed to keep users engaged through algorithmic loops. This problematic pattern can lead to diminished performance in academic and work settings and negatively impact sleep quality and relationships.

She stated, “Are they able to live their life and do the things they want and need to do in a positive way? If there are concerns in any of those areas, that’s usually a sign of something needing to be reassessed.”

Empowering Critical Consumption of Digital Media

Sinclair-McBride encouraged parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with the apps their children utilize. Teaching children to be critical consumers of content is essential. Parents should guide them in recognizing scams, misinformation, or AI-generated content.

She advised, “Slowing down and being more thoughtful and mindful about what you’re doing is, I think, the first step in modeling that as a parent.” Taking active steps to address screen time can promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Encouraging Offline Activities

Sampath advocated for families to make concerted efforts to engage in unplugged activities. He suggested simple yet effective ways to maintain a healthy balance between technology and recreation. “Go for a movie. Go for a walk. Play a game or hang out with friends or family in your kitchen and do fun things,” he recommended.

He emphasized that children should become comfortable with downtime, which may involve activities like reading a book or taking time to relax and reflect. “Kids are going to have to get way more comfortable doing that – that’s part of a healthy boundary, and it’s part of a good relationship with technology,” Sampath stated.

Nature’s Role in Digital Balance

Sampath also urged families to explore their surroundings, particularly outdoor spaces, as a way to foster wellness. Enjoying nature and engaging in physical activities can significantly boost mental health outcomes.

He remarked, “You want to create space to have fun. You want to create space to play. You want to create space to have physical activity and cultivate real relationships.” Research shows that engaging in real-world activities can contribute to overall happiness.

Sinclair-McBride echoed the importance of outdoor time. She noted the necessity of balancing digital technology with physical activities, whether through sports, arts, or hands-on experiences. “We have to give them options, space, and freedom to have that time,” she concluded.

Moving Forward with Mindful Tech Engagement

The findings of this study raise vital points about the potential mental health repercussions of extended screen time among pre-teens. By fostering awareness and implementing healthier technology habits, families can contribute to the well-being of the younger generation. Parents are encouraged to lead by example and open conversations about digital media, encouraging critical thinking and self-regulation.

Balancing screen activities with real-life experiences stands as a significant step toward nurturing a healthier and more engaged youth population.