{"id":4789,"date":"2016-05-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-05-11T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/2016\/05\/11\/screenagers-awake-from-the-trance\/"},"modified":"2023-06-23T11:03:32","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T17:03:32","slug":"screenagers-awake-from-the-trance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/screenagers-awake-from-the-trance\/","title":{"rendered":"Screenagers: Awake from the trance"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Youngsters are drawn, trancelike, to the lighted screens of electronic devices like Sleeping Beauty to the sharp spindle of the spinning wheel. It may not be good for them, but they just can\u2019t resist.<\/p>\n

The problem of excessive screen-time for kids is the subject of a recent film documentary, \u201cScreenagers.\u201d<\/p>\n

A New York Times article on the documentary says this:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe average child in America spends more time consuming electronic media than going to school, with many teen-agers going online \u2018almost constantly.\u2019 And parents aren\u2019t necessarily being good role models. A British study showed that while six<\/em> in 10 parents worried that their children spend too much time in front of a screen, seven<\/em> in 10 children worry that their parents are the ones who are plugged in and tuned out.\u201d
\nThe documentary “Screenagers” looks at how digital devices impact the adolescent brain and family dynamics.
\nDr. Melissa Voutsalath, DO., a primary care physician with UCHealth Primary Care \u2013 Monument, regards excessive screen time as \u201cabsolutely\u201d a health concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcessive media use can lead to obesity, attention problems, sleep issues and difficulty in school,\u201d she said. \u201cThe social network also provides the risk of exposure to predators and risky behaviors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The American Academy of Pediatrics says not to let kids 2 and younger use any<\/em> electronic devices.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat includes TV or other entertainment media,\u201d Voutsalath said. More recent research suggests that some toys with bright lights and noises may actually interfere with development and learning rather than promote it, she added.<\/p>\n

For older children and teens, the recommended limit is two hours a day. Yet most recent studies show that the average American spends more than four hours a day hunched over electronic devices \u2013 and that teens spend more than six hours a day.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe problem is universal,\u201d Voutsalath said. \u201cI think we as parents should start to pay attention and intervene with our kids to decrease their screen time.\u201d<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the harm?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Dr.The effects of excessive screen time are being studied. For example, what does it do to the brain?<\/p>\n

\u201cIn young brains, it may have a negative impact on learning,\u201d Voutsalath said. \u201cI think it\u2019s a sensory overload for these small brains that are developing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The effects on eyesight also are being examined. Some studies are showing that too much screen-time can have a negative impact, not only on eyesight, but also on the ability to focus. So much time is spent focusing on the near-object (the screen) that youngsters may lose the ability to focus far away and see the big picture \u2013 like when learning to drive.<\/p>\n

Some children (and many adults) also may experience neck and shoulder pain or headaches. And constantly bending over a screen to see it better can affect posture, too, Voutsalath said.<\/p>\n

Parents are as guilty as kids when it comes to this issue, she added, and should be aware of their own use.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt goes both ways,\u201d she said. \u201cMaybe you\u2019re texting on your phone and not listening to your kids. That\u2019s not good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Childhood obesity is a serious issue, Dr. Voutsalath said. \u201cAnd the more time they spend on the screen, the less time they are outside, active and running around or playing, and that contributes to the obesity problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Melissa Voutsalath, DO., is a primary care physician with UCHealth Primary Care \u2013 Monument.<\/p>\n

Also, many video games and movies that are accessible to children and teens via electronic media are rife with violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey may become more desensitized to (violence) and gain more knowledge of it,\u201d Voutsalath said.<\/p>\n

So what can parents do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

She has some advice for parents. \u201cI don\u2019t think electronic media is going anywhere, so we need to monitor use and help kids make wise media choices. Be a good role model. Don\u2019t be on your device all the time when you\u2019re with your kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

Limit screen time, she suggested. Don\u2019t allow devices in bedrooms at night, or at the dinner table, for example.<\/p>\n

\u201cSet up screen-free areas in your house. Maybe prohibit them from bedrooms altogether,\u201d she said. \u00a0\u201cThat way, parents know what their children are doing and if they are making wise media choices. Set family time when nobody is on their device, such as at dinner.\u00a0 Have a conversation, instead. We\u2019re no longer effectively communicating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find other activities for them, she suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cParents should promote more family time, more outside activities, and cultivate hobbies. Read a book. Play a game. Or go for a hike. After all, we live in beautiful Colorado!\u201d<\/p>\n

To make an appointment with Dr. Voutsalath, please call 719-364-9930.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Youngsters are drawn, trancelike, to the lighted screens of electronic devices like Sleeping Beauty to the sharp spindle of the spinning wheel. It may not be good for them, but they just can\u2019t resist. The problem of excessive screen-time for kids is the subject of a recent film documentary, \u201cScreenagers.\u201d A New York Times article […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":21069,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[216,351,9187],"class_list":["post-4789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-monument-primary-care-clinic","tag-primary-care","tag-readysetco"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nScreenagers: Awake from the trance - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Youngsters are drawn, trancelike, to the lighted screens of electronic devices like Sleeping Beauty to the sharp spindle of the spinning wheel. 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