EXCESSIVE screen time among young people has been associated with a range of mental health concerns, Sunshine Coast University’s Dr Rachael Sharman and Associate Professor Michael Nagel say.
A recent Beyond Blue survey of over 2,000 teachers highlighted mental health issues and excessive screen time as the primary challenges facing students.
Teachers expressed concerns about the lack of social skill development in children and teenagers, including their ability to read emotions and body language. While there’s no precise definition of “excessive” screen time, research suggests that spending four hours or more per day on screens may pose risks.
The relationship between screen time and social development is complex. The developing brain adapts to its environment, with frequently used skills becoming automatic. However, social experiences like emotion recognition, reciprocal play, and perspective-taking may be sidelined by excessive screen use.
“Theory of Mind” is a crucial cognitive function that allows individuals to understand others’ mental states. It starts to develop around the age of three or four and underpins various social skills, including empathy. Without age-appropriate social skills, children and teenagers may struggle to form and maintain friendships, potentially leading to isolation and mental health issues.
Social media exacerbates these challenges by creating echo chambers where users are exposed to like-minded views. This can inhibit perspective-taking, especially among those with impaired social-communication skills.
Longitudinal research links increased screen time to early social-skill impairments. Brain-imaging studies show that extensive screen use is associated with lower white matter tracts in the brain, which are crucial for language and cognitive skills. In contrast, spending time outdoors is linked to improved attention and working memory.
So, what can parents and teachers do to mitigate these effects? In early childhood, focus on reciprocal play, turn-taking, and emotional engagement. Encourage discussions about thoughts and feelings in everyday social interactions.
Delay introducing social media for as long as possible, and teach children to critically analyse online content. Emphasise real-life friendships within the local community, schools, or sports clubs.
Ultimately, limiting screen time and promoting real-life social engagement offer the best chance for children to develop strong social and emotional skills.