Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Cognitive Performance
Now that school is out, many parents will worry about their children and the time they spend in front of screens or on devices. And rightly so! The term ‘digital dementia’ is often used to describe the impact of prolonged use of devices on cognitive performance, and it is a growing concern among parents and medical professionals.
The Good, Bad, and the Ugly on Technology
While devices have revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves, there is a growing body of research showing that prolonged and early age use can negatively impact brain function and behavior.
The constant multitasking, rapid information processing, and onslaught of distractions device use can lead to decreased attention span, memory problems, and difficulty with cognitive functions. Over time, this can impact behavior by causing increased anxiety, stress, and dependence on digital devices for daily activities and function. We are also learning that prolonged exposure to screens during childhood can hinder brain development, leading to disease and long-term problems during adulthood. Specifically, it’s believed that prolonged childhood exposure interferes with language acquisition, the development of executive functioning, and healthy brain development, contributing to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life
Screens Aside, Why Movement Matters
Mechanically, we also know that excessive screen time can lead to a range of physical problems such as slumping, text neck, chronic pain, and weight gain related to inactivity. We recently highlighted some of these in our clinic newsletter. Regardless of age, spending long hours on devices or in front of a screen has serious consequences. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology has created 24 hour movement guidelines by age – find them here.
Technology’s Impact on Attention Span, Memory, and Concentration
The rapid advancement of technology has had a profound impact on many aspects of mental activity such as attention span, memory, and concentration. It’s believed that this is likely due to cognitive overload from constant overstimulation – just think of the volumes of data, stimuli, and information the human brain tries to receive, process, and retain when scrolling, reading, and interacting with pictures, text, and videos on a device. It’s a different way of consuming and understanding information, and we’re only now learning how retaining information viewed on a device is a different process than traditional linear reading.
Is More Screen Time Causing Loneliness?
Researchers are also seeing how society’s growing reliance on devices could be contributing to increased reports of loneliness and social isolation. As we automate daily tasks and increase our online interactions, we reduce the opportunity for face-to-face interactions and it’s not always healthy. In fact, earlier this year, San Mateo, California became the first US county to declare loneliness a public health emergency.
Reducing your Child’s Risk of Digital Disease
So what can parents do? It’s essential to balance screen time with offline activities. Let’s take a look at some ways to promote brain health and minimize the risks of potential negative effects related to your child’s technology use.
1. Be aware of your family’s device use and screen time
Monitor how long you and your children are on devices or in front of screens. Also be aware of the type of content your child is accessing, and ensure it is age appropriate.
2. Set realistic limits on screen time
Setting realistic limits on screen time is crucial for your child’s development. Doing so can help promote face-to-face interactions, facilitate language development skills, and support increased physical activity. In addition to setting time restrictions, parents can also establish tech-free zones, and encourage non-digital activities such as board games, reading, or playing outside. Modeling healthy screen habits is also important so be aware of your own device usage.
The Canadian Paediatric Society and Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology recommend the following daily screen limits:
- Children aged two and under: no screen time.
- Children aged two to four: less than one hour a day of screen time.
- Children and teens aged five to 17: maximum of two hours a day of recreational screen time
3. Get physical
Daily physical activity is essential for physical and mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Moving your body can reduce stress, boost energy, and help keep you off your device. Find activities that you and your children can enjoy together and incorporate them into daily routine. This could include going for a bike ride, playing at a park, or simply walking around the neighbourhood.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about this blog or any other health or wellness concerns, please contact us – the team at Alliance Chiropractic team is ready to help. If you have a particular topic you’d like to see covered in our blog or newsletter, just let us know!