Is screen time really harmful to children?

Unchecked usage can contribute to excessive screen time, abuse of social media and even addiction to screen activities, leading to increased vulnerability to psychological distress. — Photos: 123rf.com

“DOCTOR, is it safe to give my eight-year-old son a handphone? Isn’t screen time good for children?” It’s easy to answer that with a resounding no, but that’s oversimplifying the issue, and the topic of screen time among children and teenagers is complex and multifactorial.

Research into the well-being of children and teenagers have indicated that generally, increased screen time contributes to the risk of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. This was true even before the Covid-19 pandemic. And given the explosion of screen use in the global population during and after lockdowns, the risk has now understandably increased.