Excessive screen time can trigger mental health issues in children: study

By Stephen Beech

Excessive screen time can trigger bipolar disorder and other mental health issues in children, according to a new study.

American researchers found that 10- and 11-year-olds who spent hours every day on social media, video games and texting were more likely to show manic symptoms two years later.

They exhibited a greater risk of symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity - all characteristic of manic episodes, a key feature of bipolar-spectrum disorders.

Study first author Professor Jason Nagata, of the University of California, San Francisco, said: “Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time for the development of bipolar-spectrum disorders.

“Given that earlier onset of symptoms is linked with more severe and chronic outcomes, it’s important to understand what might contribute to the onset or worsening of manic symptoms in teenagers.”

He says symptoms of social media and video game addiction, characterized by the inability to stop despite trying, withdrawal, tolerance, conflict, and relapse, may play a role.

Nagata added: “Screen addictions and irregular sleep patterns may exacerbate manic symptoms in susceptible teens.",

The study, published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, used data from the nationwide Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest long-term research into brain development in the United States.

Data was collected from 9,243 10 or 11-year-olds. They provided information about their typical screen habits, as well as whether they had experienced manic or hypomanic symptoms.

Study co-author Dr. Kyle Ganson, of the University of Toronto in Canada, said: “This study underscores the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early.

“Future research can help us better understand the behaviors and brain mechanisms linking screen use with manic symptoms to help inform prevention and intervention efforts.”

Nagata added: “Although screen time can have important benefits such as education and increased socialization, parents should be aware of the potential risks, especially to mental health.

“Families can develop a media plan which could include screen-free times before bedtime.”