A study showed that children aged 8–12 spend an average of 4–6 hours per day on screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.

Today's generation of kids likes to spend more time on screens than in the real world. Kids spend more time indoors, sticking to screens, instead of playing outside or experiencing real life. For many kids, platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat have become a second world, more real than the real world.

The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health

At first, social media looks like harmless fun — reels, selfies, filters, and likes. But behind the fun lies a dark truth.

A False Sense of Reality

Social media often shows only the best parts of people’s lives, perfect bodies, expensive vacations, and "ideal" relationships. When young minds constantly consume such content, they may begin comparing themselves, thinking that’s how life should look. This pressure to fit into an unrealistic mold can lead to anxiety, depression and fear of missing out (FOMO).

Psychologists confirm that repeated exposure to filtered or idealised posts can lead to social comparison, body image issues, and distorted self-image.(APA Digital Guidelines for Adolescents, 2023)

Mental Fatigue & Emotional Burnout

SWhen the brain constantly receives stimulation from screens, it has less time to rest or process real emotions. Over time, this can cause mental exhaustion, mood swings, and a drop in emotional well-being.

Dependency and Behavioural Changes

Whether it's a child watching reels or an adult binge-watching series, overuse of screens changes brain patterns. We begin associating screen time with comfort and escape, leading to addiction-like behaviours and less involvement in physical or social activities.

According to the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, depression in teenagers increased by 63% between 2007 and 2017, right when smartphones became common.

Is Social Media Really That Bad?

Technology is not the enemy. Children can learn coding, improve vocabulary, and even become creative online. But the problem begins when screens replace real-life experiences:

• Family dinners
• Outdoor games
• Quality sleep
• Talking to parents

The goal isn’t to eliminate screen time but to balance it.

Adults should try to limit non-work screen time to 1–2 hours/day, avoid screens at least 1 hour before bed, and take breaks every 20–30 minutes while working on screens.

What Can Parents Do Today?

• Monitor screen time : Parents should stay aware of what their child is watching.
• Set screen time rules : Create a routine where digital devices are turned off at least one hour before bedtime. Create a “No Phone at Dinner” rule.
• Encourage outdoor play : Involve them in games, sports, or group activities that don’t need screens.
• Use blue-light glasses : Consider using blue-light glasses during evening screen time to help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.

Conclusion

Excessive screen time can affect mental health, especially in children and teens. But when used with awareness, screens can also offer great learning opportunities. So dear parents, make sure your child uses digital tools in a bright, healthy, and meaningful way. Remember, your child’s brain is still growing. Whatever habits you allow now will stay for years. Let them live a childhood, not a screenhood.

Call to Action

How much time does your child spend on screens each day? What small steps have you found helpful in reducing it?