A recent study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that pre-teens who are heavily exposed to certain types of technology may be more prone to developing manic symptoms. The study, published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, examined a national sample of 9,243 children aged 10 to 11 in the United States. The research found that youngsters who spent significant time on social media, texting, watching videos, and playing video games were more likely to exhibit traits such as inflated self-esteem, reduced need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity – all of which are common in manic episodes seen in bipolar-spectrum disorders.
In a press statement, co-author Dr. Kyle Ganson, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, emphasized the importance of promoting healthy screen habits from an early age. He highlighted the need for further research to better understand the connections between screen time and manic symptoms, in order to inform prevention and intervention strategies.
Furthermore, a study revealed that excessive use of social media, texting, videos, and video games among young individuals was associated with a higher risk of mental health issues. In light of this, Verizon organized a “digital wellness summit” in New York City on the Global Day of Unplugging, aiming to educate the public about the responsible use of technology. Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, stressed the significance of establishing digital boundaries, particularly for children, given the unprecedented challenges posed by the digital era.
During the event, it was disclosed that kids and teenagers spend around four to five hours daily on social media, receive hundreds of notifications, and interact with their phones roughly 150 times a day. A quarter of these interactions occur during school hours. This data prompted a reevaluation of healthy digital habits, seeking a more balanced approach to technology use.
Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, attending psychologist at Boston’s Children’s Hospital and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, also underscored the potential risks associated with excessive phone use, such as cyberbullying and exposure to hate speech, which can lead to mental health issues. While acknowledging the benefits of technology in fostering social connections and learning, she emphasized the importance of striking a balance to mitigate the negative impacts on mental well-being.
She highlighted that certain social media apps are engineered to trap users in a cycle controlled by algorithms. Connecting with others can positively impact children’s emotional well-being, as experts have suggested. However, excessive use of these platforms may result in decreased performance at work or school, as well as adverse effects on sleep and relationships, cautioned Sinclair-McBride. “Are they able to lead a fulfilling life and pursue their goals in a positive manner? If any concerns arise in these areas, it typically indicates a need for reassessment.” Sinclair-McBride advised parents and grandparents to familiarize themselves with the apps their children use and educate them on being discerning consumers of content by helping them identify scams, misinformation, or AI-generated content. “Taking a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to your actions is, in my opinion, the initial step in demonstrating this as a parent,” she told Fox News Digital. What Is ‘Brain Rot’? The Science Behind the Impact of Excessive Scrolling on Our Brains”Parents can also evaluate their own usage and ask themselves, ‘Am I spending too much time on my phone? Am I overly reliant on social media?’” The CEO also encouraged adults to establish boundaries regarding phone usage, whether that means confining it to specific areas in the home or setting designated times of day. “Engaging in real-life activities tends to boost happiness.” Sampath offered simple guidance for families to maintain a healthy balance between technology use and unplugged pastimes. “Watch a movie. Take a stroll. Play a game or spend time with friends. Or simply enjoy quality moments with your family in the kitchen and engage in fun activities,” he recommended. “I believe children need to feel comfortable at times doing nothing… reading a book, simply relaxing,” he added. Click Here To Subscribe To Our Health Newsletter”Kids need to become more at ease with that – it’s part of establishing healthy boundaries and fostering a positive relationship with technology.” Sampath also encouraged Americans to take advantage of residing in regions with “some of the most wonderful weather” and “the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world” by exploring outdoor environments and being more active. “Balancing digital technology usage with real-world activities, be it sports, the arts, creative pursuits, reading, or hands-on experiences, is essential.” “You should create opportunities for enjoyment, play, physical exercise, and authentic relationships,” he stressed. “It has enduring benefits for mental well-being… Engaging in real-life activities brings about happiness.” For additional Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health Sinclair-McBride reiterated the recommendation to go outside and “feel the grass beneath your feet.” “Balancing time spent on digital technology with real-world engagements, such as sports, the arts, creative endeavors, reading, or tangible activities, is crucial,” she emphasized. Experts promoted the idea of granting children more time to explore physical activities and hobbies instead of defaulting to digital options. “Many believe this generation is solely
