Excessive Screen Time Linked to Manic Symptoms in Pre-Teens, Study Warns

A new study from the University of California, San Francisco, has shed light on a troubling trend: excessive screen time, especially among pre-teens, may elevate the risk of developing manic symptoms. The findings, published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, analyzed data from over 9,200 children aged 10 and 11 across the U.S.

The research highlighted that prolonged use of social media, texting, video games, and consuming online videos could result in behaviors such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. These are hallmark traits of manic episodes, a significant feature of bipolar-spectrum disorders.

Dr. Kyle Ganson, a co-author and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, emphasized the importance of fostering healthy screen habits early on. "This study underscores the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early," he commented, adding that future research might help decode the brain behaviors behind these alarming links.

The conversation surrounding digital wellness gained further momentum during the recent Global Day of Unplugging, marked by Verizon’s first-ever "digital wellness summit" in New York City. Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, stressed the need for setting digital boundaries, particularly for children. "This digital age is new to us all. There's no time in history we can reclaim how we handle that," he remarked.

According to Verizon’s 2024 Consumer Connections Report, kids and teens spend an average of four to five hours daily on social media and receive between 250 and 275 notifications each day. Shockingly, they pick up their devices approximately 150 times daily, with a significant chunk of this activity occurring during school hours.

Dr. Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, a psychologist at Boston Children’s Hospital and a Harvard Medical School professor, highlighted additional risks, such as cyberbullying and exposure to hate speech, which are associated with excessive smartphone use. These, she noted, can lead to depressive symptoms and other mental health issues. However, she also acknowledged the benefits of digital platforms for social connection and learning, urging a balanced approach.

"Slowing down and being more thoughtful and mindful about what you're doing is, I think, the first step in modeling that as a parent," Sinclair-McBride advised, encouraging parents to understand the apps their children use and teach them to critically evaluate online content.

Experts at the summit, including Sampath, also proposed practical solutions for families seeking a healthier relationship with technology. Suggestions ranged from engaging in outdoor activities, watching movies, and playing games to simply spending quality time together. "Kids need to get comfortable sometimes doing nothing—reading a book, just hanging out," Sampath noted, underscoring the importance of unplugged moments for mental well-being.

Sinclair-McBride echoed these sentiments, encouraging families to step outside and reconnect with nature. She noted, "The time that people spend with digital technology needs to be balanced with real-life stuff—sports, arts, creative activities, reading, or hands-on things." While the digital world has its allure, she reminded parents that kids still enjoy non-digital experiences when given the opportunity.

The study serves as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers alike, urging a more mindful approach to technology in the lives of young people. After all, as Sampath aptly put it, "When you do things in real life, you feel happier."