How Does Too Much Screen Time Affect Our Health

Too much screen time can be dangerous, whether everyone in the family is glued to their smartphones or the TV is on in the background.

How Does Too Much Screen Time Affect Our Health

New Delhi: Nowadays, everyone's life involves screens. Even though there is mounting evidence of the harmful impacts of screen time on both adults and children, your family's health can be improved by reducing the amount of time spent in front of screens. Too much screen time can be dangerous, whether everyone in the family is glued to their smartphones or the TV is on in the background.

Here are some of the potential negative effects on physical and mental health because of too much screen time:

• Prolonged screen time can cause strain in the eyes, dryness of the eyes, and headaches due to the glare on the screen and the reduced blink rate.
• Excessive screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
• The blue light emitted from screens can suppress the production of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Spending too much time in screens can reduce face-to-face interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Children and adolescents who spend too much time on screens may have impaired cognitive development and face difficulty with attention, memory, and problem-solving.
• Excessive screen time is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
• Sitting in front of screens for long hours can cause repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  

Ways To Control Screen Time:

There are several ways to control screen time and reduce the negative effects of excessive screen use:

• Set limits: Use the built-in screen time tracking tools on your device or download a third-party app to set limits on the amount of time you spend on your device each day.
• Create a schedule: Make a schedule for when you will use your device and when you will put it away. Stick to this schedule as much as possible.
• Use the "Do Not Disturb" feature: Turn on the "Do Not Disturb" feature on your device during certain times of the day, such as when you're eating or spending time with your family.
• Take breaks: Take regular breaks during prolonged screen time to rest your eyes and stretch your body.
• Find alternative activities: Find other activities to do when you would normally be on your device, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with friends and family.
• Keep device out of reach: Keep your device out of reach during certain times of the day, like during meal times, or when you are in bed.
• Turn off notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications on your device to reduce the temptation to check your device frequently.