October 18th, 2024
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the health implications of digital technology usage among children and adolescents have become a growing concern. A recent review conducted by Julie Cullen, a paediatric physiotherapist from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, and published in the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, sheds light on the complex relationship between digital device usage and the health and wellbeing of the younger generation.
According to the review, there has been a notable surge in digital device usage among youth globally, with the average weekly screen time escalating from 21 to 35 hours between 2012 and 2018. This increase is even more pronounced in New Zealand, where figures jumped from 22 to 42 hours per week within the same period. The research underscores the urgency to understand and address the potential health impacts associated with this trend.
The review categorises the health impacts into eight critical areas: vision, hearing, obesity, pain, sleep, cognition, mental health, and social impacts, highlighting the broad spectrum of challenges posed by digital technologies. For instance, the study links extended screen time to an array of vision issues, including dry eye disease and myopia, and emphasises the rising concern over noise-induced hearing loss due to headphone and earbud usage.
Furthermore, the research points to a displacement of physical activity by screen time as a contributing factor to increasing obesity rates among children. Physical discomforts such as back and neck pain are also associated with prolonged device use, underscoring the need for ergonomic interventions. On the psychological front, the study delves into the cognitive and mental health ramifications, including attention problems and an increased risk of depression and anxiety, particularly noted among female adolescents.
The review does not shy away from the social implications of digital device usage, citing cyberbullying, decreased family interaction, and problematic internet use as significant concerns. In response, the researchers offer a series of recommendations aimed at mitigating these risks. These include establishing screen time limits, promoting physical activity, educating on the importance of high-quality content, and fostering healthy screen behaviours among youth.
The review noted the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, educators, and families to effectively tackle the challenges presented by digital device usage. By adopting a united approach, the review suggests, society can better support the younger generation in navigating the digital landscape safely and healthily.
The comprehensive review serves as a crucial resource for those looking to understand and address the impacts of digital technology on youth health and wellbeing. As digital technologies continue to evolve and embed themselves further into our daily lives, the research calls for balanced digital habits that leverage the benefits of these tools while minimising their risks. This balanced approach is essential for ensuring the wellbeing of children and adolescents in an increasingly digital world.