Excessive screen time linked to manic symptoms in kids, study finds
A new study has uncovered associations between screen time and manic symptoms in adolescents, suggesting that excessive screen use may contribute to mental health challenges.
The research, published last month and based on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, analyzed more than 9,200 participants aged 10-11 years old and tracked their screen usage over a two-year period.
Study links excessive screen time to manic symptoms
What they're saying:
"During the pandemic, many of my patients shared how they spent hours on social media, getting lost in content that worsened their mental and physical health," Jason Nagata, a lead researcher of the study, told FOX TV Stations. "These experiences made me realize just how powerful – and potentially harmful – screen exposure can be, which led me to study its broader health impacts."
FILE: Child uses social media. (Credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
He added: "While we had previously examined the relationship between screen time and depression, as well as many other mental health outcomes, we realized that screen time had not been well-studied in relation to manic symptoms."
According to the National Institutes of Health, mania is a period of one week or more in which a person experiences a change in normal behavior that drastically affects their functioning. The defining characteristics of mania include increased talkativeness, rapid speech, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts and distractibility.
The study found that typical daily screen time in the first year was positively associated with higher manic symptoms by year 3. The more time adolescents spent on screens, the more likely they were to experience manic symptoms later on.
The different types of screen activities, particularly social media use and playing video games, showed significant associations with heightened manic symptoms. Poor sleep duration was also found to be a significant mediator.
"Screen use (particularly video games and social media) often provides instant gratification and feedback, stimulating the brain’s reward pathways. Adolescents who excessively engage with these media may develop a heightened sensitivity to rewards, leading to a cycle of compulsive use and seeking out further validation. Reinforcement strategies used by most social media and video game platforms may increase dopamine release, paralleling the neurobiological processes observed in individuals experiencing manic episodes," Nagata continued.
Findings suggest parents encourage healthy, mindful screen use habits
Why you should care:
The researchers said the results indicated that problematic screen use may be a target for mental health prevention and early intervention efforts among adolescents.
"It’s important for parents and clinicians to encourage healthy and mindful screen use habits to prevent negative impacts on teen mental health," Nagata added.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developing a family media plan, which can be an individualized set of guidelines that seem practical for each household. Families can have regular conversations with adolescents about screen use and could consider keeping bedtimes screen-free to improve sleep quality, according to Nagata.
The backstory:
Last year, the AAP updated its screen time guidelines for children and teenagers with its development of "The 5Cs of Media Use." According to the organization, The 5 Cs, which stand for Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out, and Communication, are a mnemonic that can be used to talk to parents about kids and screen time.
"The 5 Cs are designed to meet kids, teens and parents where they are, build insight and communication skills, and motivate for healthy behavior change," the AAP wrote on its website detailing the new update.
Nagata said parents and clinicians can also keep an eye out for problematic screen use.
Warning signs include when screen use adversely affects a child’s quality of life, relationships, and daily functioning. Children may be unable to control or reduce their screen use, may lose interest in other activities, and screen use may preoccupy their thoughts.
Screen time guidelines
Dig deeper:
Screen time is a major part of daily life for today’s youth, as mental health issues, including mania, continue to rise among young people.
Previous studies have linked excessive screen time in infants and toddlers to suboptimal neurodevelopment in children, including an increased risk of delayed language development, emotional problems, and poorer academic performance through preschool ages and childhood.
RELATED: Outdoor play could reduce negative impacts from screen time in young children, study finds
Last year, the AAP updated its guidelines for where it stands when it comes to screen time.
They said they recommend "minimizing or eliminating media exposure," other than video chatting, for children under the age of 18 months.
RELATED: Screen time for kids and teens: AAP updates guidelines for parents
For older preschool-age children, media limits were very appropriate. They suggested parents and loved ones have a strategy for managing electronic media to maximize their benefits.