Study finds excessive phone, screen use tied to manic symptoms for one group
A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco has shed light on the potential risks associated with excessive tech use among pre-teens. The study, published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, analyzed a sample of 9,243 children aged 10 to 11 in the U.S. The findings revealed that children who spent more time engaging with social media, texting, videos, and video games were more likely to exhibit symptoms of mania, a key feature of bipolar-spectrum disorders.
The study’s co-author, Kyle Ganson, emphasized the importance of instilling healthy screen use habits early on in children. This research highlights the need for further investigation into the behaviors and brain mechanisms linking screen use with manic symptoms to inform preventive and intervention strategies.
Verizon recently hosted a digital wellness summit in New York City, coinciding with the Global Day of Unplugging, to address the safe use of technology. CEO Sowmyanarayan Sampath underscored the significance of setting digital boundaries, particularly for kids, given the unprecedented challenges posed by the digital age. Sampath revealed staggering statistics from Verizon’s 2024 Consumer Connections Report, indicating that kids and teenagers spend hours on social media daily and receive hundreds of notifications, urging a reevaluation of tech habits.
Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, an attending psychologist at Boston’s Children’s Hospital, expressed concerns over excessive phone use among children, citing potential risks such as cyberbullying and hate speech. She emphasized the importance of balancing screen time with real-life activities to promote overall well-being and positive mental health outcomes.
Parents and grandparents were encouraged to educate themselves about the apps children use and teach them to critically assess online content. Setting boundaries around phone use, both for adults and children, was advised to foster a healthier relationship with technology. Families were urged to engage in unplugged activities such as outdoor outings, games, and quality time together to create a balanced lifestyle.
Overall, experts stressed the necessity of finding a harmonious balance between digital engagement and offline pursuits to safeguard mental health and well-being. By prioritizing real-life experiences and fostering meaningful connections, individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with technology and enhance their overall quality of life.
