45% of Teens Say They're Online Almost Constantly!
Could more screen time mean less sleep for teens?
A 2015 year sleep study, noted that 41% of teens said they were having "short sleep" defined as 7 or less hours of sleep per night. The same study was done in 2009, before the prolific increase in screens and teens using them. The researchers felt that more screen time played a big part in the 17% increase.
Not getting enough sleep. Waking Up Late
6600 kids we're studied on their night time screen use and the quality of their sleep. Overall, this study showed that night-time screen use is significantly associated with adverse sleep outcomes and poorer quality of life among adolescents.
Here's something interesting: It turns out the worse effects come from using those screens in the dark. Night-time use of mobile phones in a room with the light on is associated with some adverse sleep outcomes but not to the same degree as using them in complete darkness.
Should Phones or Screens Be In Kids Rooms At All?
There are so many studies that connect the blue light from screens to sleep issues and to issues with their precious eyes, that parents may decide that their kids will be healthier with a no-screens-in-your room policy.
We recommend that parents, teachers, health professionals and your kids be made aware of the strong associations between night-time use, sleep and difficulty getting up--outcomes, as these may impact on cognitive function not to mention just how bad being tired and late can make kids feel.
Could Screen RF and EMF exposure mean lower memory function?
We found preliminary evidence suggesting that RF-EMF may affect brain functions such as figural memory in regions that are most exposed during mobile phone use. Swiss researchers noted that the findings do not provide conclusive evidence of causal effects and should be interpreted with caution until confirmed in other populations, BUT, we know for certain that there's most definitely a biological effect from the radiation coming from all of our wireless devices.
That's why we vote for the Precautionary Principle--especially when it comes to our kids. Being EMF sensitive for 25 years. I believe it's important to be cautious about your expose to the invisible wireless energy spewing from our devices, until we know for certain how it's going to effect our bodies. I have a Tech Wellness Wireless and Health Guide with all the details, but the point is, the energy has been proven without a doubt to have a biological effect. Think of it like smog or a chemical pollutant or toxin, if you could avoid being exposed to it, wouldn't you? The Meter below can tell you if there's a Safe Level of electromagnetic radiation in your child's room.
Teens Who On Their Phones Constantly Are Likely To Become Depressed As Adults
New research studied older teens as they transitioned to adult hood over a 3 year period. What they found was that kids who we're overly dependent on their phones or over-used their phones or showed signs of being addicted, were what they called "problematic cellphone users". Sounds a lot like someone who would say "I'm on my phone constantly" right? If the kids used their phones a ton they were likely to use them a ton when they became adults--and get depressed. The researchers concluded,
In sum, problematic cell phone use was fairly stable across the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood and was associated with depression in the future.
Are Adults Far behind?
If you're online you're not talking face to face with someone you care about, you're not dancing or hiking or looking at the stars. Chances are these teens who make up almost half of all US teens aren't doing much of anything In Real Life if they are constantly online.
So, Obsessed or Addicted?
And chances are they could be addicted to the internet or their screens. This is where it gets serious. Addiction, in any of it's forms, never leads to happiness or joy or a magical life. And, the earlier addiction is dealt with the better.
You and Your Teens Can Find Out Now
We're thrilled to be able to offer world renowned internet addiction expert Dr. Kimberly Young's Internet Addiction Test. Results are Instant.
