Use of Screen Media And Mental Health: Effects On Adolescents And Pre-Adolescents.

Bibek Adhikari

doi:10.31729/jnma.5518

Abstract

The children and adolescents of today's generation are growing up in a media-saturated world. Digital media use has become the most common sedentary leisure time activity among children and adolescents. In the past decade, the development of mobile and digital technologies has taken place at such a rapid rate that researchers have had difficulties reporting evidence within limited timeframes. Growing evidence indicates that screen media usage by teenagers and pre-adolescents has deleterious ramifications on mental wellbeing. In addition to the benefits of screen media for exposure to a wide range of information and quick communication, the use of screen media has been correlated with adverse physical, psychological and social health consequences. This study focuses on the increasing use of screen media and their consequences on the various aspects of mental health of adolescents and preadolescents.

Highlights

Digital media use covers screen-based activities such as internet browsing, computer use, smartphone use, television viewing and playing video games.[1]
There is growing evidence that use of digital media may play a role in cognition i.e. brain processes involved in knowledge, intellect and action and academic success in children and adolescents
According to a longitudinal study and meta-analysis of 58 cross-sectional studies performed by Renauetal (2019),[2] television viewing and video game playing but not overall screen media were inversely correlated with the academic success of children and adolescents

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Digital media use covers screen-based activities such as internet browsing, computer use, smartphone use, television viewing and playing video games.[1] Using portable devices such as smartphones and laptops has made use of media available 24 hours a day. There is growing evidence that use of digital media may play a role in cognition i.e. brain processes involved in knowledge, intellect and action and academic success in children and adolescents. Along with the benefits of screen media to reach a wide range of information and easy communication, use of screen media has been correlated with detrimental physical, psychological and social health effects

EVIDENCE FROM RECENT STUDIES

Findings

WAYS FORWARD